TC Candler's Review C

Yawn Helsing 2...

Terry Gilliam’s visual flare is undeniable. However, much like Tim Burton’s (Corpse Bride, Big Fish) cinematic efforts, his spectacular style often gets in the way of any tangible substance. Unfortunately, that is also true with his latest film, the schizophrenic adaptation of legendary siblings, “The Brothers Grimm”.

The film doesn’t really ever find out what it wants to be. It is part comedy, part adventure, part fairy-tale, part romance, part special-effects bonanza… But it never seems to deliver a coherent plot.

The story begins by transforming the brothers, named Will (Damon) and Jake (Ledger) in this version, into con-artists, ridding local villages of supposed demons and monsters, which they masterfully fake with primitive special effects. Soon, the brothers are commissioned to a forest, which actually is haunted, and the adventure dwindles into an utterly incomprehensible and implausible mess.

It is a shame that the film fails to deliver on such a rich canvas. It seems as if Gilliam had so much on his plate and had no earthly idea how to reign it all in. The story had potential but needed a more focused scribe.

Matt Damon is the film’s one saving grace. He may have chosen to use a slightly dodgy British accent, but his comedic timing and dramatic range are enough to drag this film up to a respectable level.

This film reminded me most of the 2004 flop, “Van Helsing”. What you thought of that film will likely determine your probable enthusiasm for this brotherly tale.

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - C Richard Propes -     Jacob Hall - C+

Richard Propes' Comment

N/A

Jacob Hall's Comment

"The Brothers Grimm" features a few genuinely great moments that make up for the terrible script. One moment in particular may become infamous among animal rights activists, but speaking as an animal lover, it is one of the most gruesomely funny dark comic bits I have seen in quite some time. Gilliam fans should also be pleased with spider-horse that can devour children and the Monty Python-esque scenes of screwball comedy (arguably the strongest parts of the film).

Gruesome? Oh yes. For a PG-13 film, this is especially dark and frightening. Of course, Gilliam is only staying true to the original stories; before Disney modified these classic tales, they were chock full of violence and twisted morality. It's a true breath of fresh air.