While watching Thursday Night Football, I stumbled upon a commercial that introduced me to what quickly became my favorite comedy of the year. The ad, promoting a new movie on Amazon Prime Video, revealed Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin as the leads in Brothers. Intrigued, I decided to watch it after the game and was genuinely surprised at how little buzz this hilarious film had generated.
Directed by Etan Cohen—known for his work on Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy—Brothers is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It’s a laugh-out-loud adventure about two siblings trying to turn their lives around by hunting down some long-lost jewels. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to tell everyone you know to watch it.
Dinklage and Brolin Shine in Unlikely Comedy Roles
Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin, both celebrated for their dramatic roles, deliver standout comedic performances in Brothers. While Dinklage charmed audiences with his turn as the cranky Miles Finch in Elf, and Brolin amused fans as Cable in Deadpool 2, their comedic chemistry here is on another level.
In Brothers, Dinklage plays Jady, a scrappy, fast-talking schemer, while Brolin is Moke, his well-meaning but dimwitted brother. Their dynamic as siblings is pitch-perfect, balancing absurd humor with moments of genuine connection. Jady is the chaotic dreamer, always concocting elaborate plans, while Moke tries to keep things grounded, even as he wrestles with his own secrets. Watching these two navigate a chaotic jewel heist is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
The magic of Brothers doesn’t stop with its leads. Glenn Close steals scenes as Cath, the siblings’ shifty mother, whose larger-than-life personality is central to the plot. Her performance blends the eccentricity of her 101 Dalmatians character with the grit of Hillbilly Elegy.
Brendan Fraser also shines as Officer Farful, bringing his signature brand of over-the-top comedy to the film. His manic energy delivers some of the movie’s funniest moments. Other standout performances include Taylour Paige as Moke’s supportive wife and Marisa Tomei, who takes a wild turn in a role that’s worlds away from her usual mom characters.
Josh Brolin's character is confronted by a friendly orangutan in the show.
The Year’s Best Comedy
Earlier this year, Ricky Stanicky set the bar high for comedies, but Brothers surpasses it in every way. While Ricky Stanicky had its share of memorable moments (who could forget John Cena dressed as Britney Spears?), Brothers feels like a more complete, laugh-filled experience.
It’s a shame this movie didn’t get a theatrical release because it absolutely deserved to be seen on the big screen. Hopefully, word of mouth will help it find a wider audience on streaming.
If you’re looking for the year’s best comedy, look no further than Brothers. It’s streaming now on Prime Video, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Just be sure not to confuse it with the Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire drama of the same name—this Brothers is in a hilarious league of its own.