Preview: The Brothers Bloom (2009)

Synopsis:

Two of the world's best con men, brothers by birth, decide to celebrate with one last con at the side of a wealthy woman who takes them around the world.

• Poster: C

Review:

Slanted is the new thing this year and yet another poster puts it to use poorly. Stripping the title across the poster is good branding, but it does not create effective use of space or a pleasing visual stimulus.

• Trailer: B; B+

Review:

This looks like a cross between Ocean's 11 and a Wes Anderson film. That's not terribly appealing to me, but it may be to most audiences. I also don't like Adrien Brody, so that makes two strikes against the film. But, pushing those dislikes aside, I'll admit that it at least looks interesting and may be saved by the casting of Rachel Weisz, Mark Ruffalo and Rinko Kikuchi.

Again despite Brody's presence, Ruffalo, Weisz and Kikuchi make this look at a lot more fun than I had initially anticipated.

Oscar Prospects:

Despite having two Oscar winners in tow, this film isn't likely to ignite a new battle for more nominations for these two nor for past Oscar nominee Rinko Kikuchi or the so-far-unnominated Mark Ruffalo.

Release Date:

• May 29, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (August 3, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (August 24, 2008) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (August 31, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 10/24/08)

-Wesley Lovell (December 14, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 12/19/08)

-Wesley Lovell (April 12, 2009) New Trailer