Half Brothers

Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
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Half Brothers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Half Brothers is an uneven bilingual dramedy about a Mexican man who discovers that he has a younger half brother when his estranged father dies in the United States and leaves his sons with a final wish: to go on a cross-country scavenger hunt together. Starring Mexican actor Luis Gerardo Méndez (in his first English-language leading role) and Connor Del Rio as the brothers, the movie switches from being a wacky road trip comedy to showing dramatic flashbacks about the father's immense challenges as an undocumented immigrant attempting to return to Mexico. There's violence and peril in those scenes, as well as some more comical brawls and chases in the contemporary timeline. Language is occasionally salty in both English and Spanish (expect a couple of uses of "f--k" and more of "s--t," "bitch," ass," etc.), and there are some heartbreaking moments in the flashbacks. Couples kiss, there's a bit of drinking, and the script includes stereotypes about both Mexico and the United States, but the film also encourages empathy, compassion, and teamwork between family members.
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Worth Watching
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Could have been such a great movie
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What's the Story?
HALF BROTHERS begins with a loving Mexican father and son bonding over their love of puzzles and aviation. But it soon takes a turn as the country's economy collapses and the father, Flavio (Juan Pablo Espinosa), is forced to try his luck in America. Flavio never returns from north of the border, and his son, Renato (Luis Gerardo Méndez), grows up without a father. He becomes a prominent, if aloof, aviation entrepreneur who holds America responsible for his father's abandonment. A few days before his wedding, Renato receives a call from his estranged dad's second wife, who informs him that Flavio only has days to live. Renato's fianceé, Pamela (Pia Watson), who has a son from a previous relationship, encourages Renato to bid his father farewell. But once he'sin America, Renato realizes that his father not only had a second wife but also a second son, Asher (Connor Del Rio), a quirky and unemployed Millennial. Flavio's dying wish is for the two "brothers" to undergo a cross-country scavenger hunt that will explain why he had to leave Mexico, and his family, behind for good.
Is It Any Good?
At first, this movie feels like a familiar wacky buddy comedy/road trip adventure, but it switches gear into a heartrending immigrant's tale in a way that doesn't work tonally or resolve plot issues. It's like two movies rolled into one, and neither is well served by the existence of the other, even if the performances are notable. It's nearly impossible not to see Del Rio as channeling a younger (if even more earnest) Zach Galifianakis in his role as Asher. And Méndez is fine as the uptight Renato, who's unwilling to give Asher the benefit of the doubt. But their zany adventures just aren't quite original or funny enough to be memorable.
Meanwhile, Half Brothers' flashback drama is compelling, humanizing an otherwise unlikable character (it's initially difficult to redeem a man who starts a new family and abandons his old one). But even as the revelations ramp up in intensity and sentimentality, the truth is that Flavio remains somewhat unforgivable, with the exception of introducing his sons. Director Luke Greenfield knows how to pull heartstrings, however, and audiences will find themselves feeling emotional in parts. It's almost as if Greenfield was inspired by Slumdog Millionaire, but the result isn't nearly as effective. There's a bit of whiplash in the transitions from the physical comedy and the brothers' verbal sparring to the turmoil and tribulations of Flavio's journey in America (even if he does eventually end up financially stable, with a beautiful wife and funny younger son). It's a shame that the movie's two halves don't come together more smoothly, because there are moments in each storyline that are worth watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and depravation that Half Brothers depicts as part of the immigrant experience. Who shows Flavio compassion and kindness? What impact does that have?
What is the movie's message about stereotypes and generalizations? What stereotypical comments does Renato hear about Mexico, and what stereotypes does he believe about the United States? How can we combat stereotyping?
Discuss the genre of buddy comedies and buddy road trips. How does this one live up to the "rules" of the genre? Which ones are your favorites?
How does the film demonstrate -- and promote -- empathy, compassion, and teamwork?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 4, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: March 2, 2021
- Cast: Luis Gerardo Méndez, Connor del Rio, Juan Pablo Espinosa
- Director: Luke Greenfield
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some violence, strong language.
- Last updated: November 18, 2022
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