Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brothers reunite in warm indie dramedy; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Middle-aged Mark (Steve Zissis) prepares to take his wife and son back to his childhood home for his birthday party. He hopes that his brother Jeremy (Mark Kelly) won't be there. Years earlier, the brothers held a competition, "the do-deca-pentathlon" -- 25 events, including push-ups, pool, arm-wrestling, and breath-holding -- that ended controversially and left their relationship in tatters. But Jeremy does arrive, and it's not long before the brothers start ripping at each other. And thus, the competition begins anew, but Mark must keep it a secret from his wife (Jennifer Lafleur), who fears that it will put Mark under too much stress. Will the brothers' conflict finally be resolved, or will it tear the family apart in the meantime?
Is It Any Good?
Brothers Jay and Mark Duplass have done it again, using their sharp writing, appealingly hangdog characters, and no-frills filmmaking to come up with another winner. Even better, they've cooked up some strong characters and believable family relationships and played them out in an economic 76 minutes. Despite THE DO-DECA-PENTATHLON's focus on the two brothers, the wife, mother, and son characters aren't left behind.
Actors Kelly and Zissis conjure up a genuine brotherly chemistry and turn in emotionally raw -- and physically demanding -- performances. The movie deals with the potentially uncomfortable modern-day man-child syndrome, but it points to love and acceptance as a possible solution, and it does so with a generous helping of humor and levity. Indeed, the balance of comedy and drama here is just right, and The Do-Deca-Pentathlon never runs out of steam, heart, or laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between the brothers. What causes them to fight like this? Why would the fight go on for years and years? Do you think it's realistic?
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon ultimately has a positive message about communicating and bringing families back together, but are there any positive role models? If so, who, and why?
Have you ever competed with your brothers or sisters? Was it fun or stressful? What's the appeal of competition or sports?
Jeremy wonders why Mark is so unhappy when he "has everything," i.e. a wife and a son, whereas Mark is jealous of Jeremy's "freedom." Are either of them correct?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 6, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : September 18, 2012
- Cast : Jennifer Lafleur , Mark Kelly , Steve Zissis
- Directors : Jay Duplass , Mark Duplass
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Fox Searchlight , Red Flag Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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