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Created Sep 20, 2010 01:19PM PST • Edited Sep 20, 2010 01:19PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   Good bro goes to war, Bad bro stays home and looks after good bro’s family – em, maybe a little too well? Brothers has a great cast and a story that probably resonates with many, but unfortunately comes across a bit disjoint in execution as it tries to be both a drama and a war movie at the same time. That said, it is engrossing at times, and with its all-star acting power, makes for an Ok 105 minutes.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman — need I say more? Eye candy and superior dramatic range in abundance. Too bad the direction made it difficult for them to really shine.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Barely OK 2.0

    The direction really took this movie down a few notches. Within the sub-realms of drama and war movie, the filming was actually pretty good. Unfortunately Jim Sheridan causes bi-polar viewing behavior as you are constantly context-switched between scenes of Afghanistan and family drama.

11. Direction Barely OK 2.0

12. Play Barely OK 2.0

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

14. Visuals Barely OK 2.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.5

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Glib 1.5

24. Physical Glib 1.5