Rian Johnson's follow-up to his high school noir Brick is a looser, more accessibly film that its predecessor. Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody are Stephen and Bloom, con artists and brothers, whose cons are as complex as "Russian novels", complete with symbolism, complex plot arcs and a wide array of supporting characters. That old staple, the "one final job" (Bloom longs for "an unwritten life"), involves a jaunt across Eastern Europe with eccentric, lonely millionaire Penelope (Rachel Weisz), during which the Brothers Bloom will fleece her of her fortune.
The problem with most con movies is that the number of twists the plot manufactures precludes feeling for its characters, a problem that The Brothers Bloom isn't immune to. However, much like he did with Brick, Johnson marries two disparate genres with considerable success. His second film is shot through with a Wes Anderson-like sensibility but, unlike Anderson and his numerous imitators, Johnson has a broader palette to work from and a willingness to cut loose that works in his favour.
Whilst not without its faults (the first 10 minutes detailing the brothers' first con stick too close to the Anderson formula and the ending lacks any real emotional punch), there much to love in the detail, not least a marvellous comic turn from Weisz and a typically relaxed, amusing one from Ruffalo.
