[yasr_overall_rating]
A bank robber finds himself unable to evade those who are looking for him.
There were so many times in this movie that I just wanted to scream out loud, but I’m not exactly certain as to why. I would like to think that it was because of the seemingly one-sided tough love that was displayed, but then as the film progressed, it seemed like the brothers were giving it to each other. I think, too, that it was the reality of seeing Robert Pattinson going rogue as an impeccably motivated and ludicrous underachiever. Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson) plays an excellent role as an older brother who is constantly trying to prove his worth by being the mastermind behind making a living of being a manipulative, thieving loser. While he is the worst possible influence on his mentally challenged younger brother Nick (Ben Safdie), he is also the only one that cares enough to put his life on the line for him. This American crime drama is basically about two social misfits whose limited resources include their grandmother and an enabling girlfriend who is emotionally unstable.
In the opening scenes, Nick is in the midst of a therapy session that just starts to become productive when he is suddenly whisked away by his overbearing brother. The two immediately take part in a robbery in which there isn’t enough wherewithal between the two of them to come up with a master plan that will keep both of them from being caught. While Connie gets away, Nick is caught and sent to a Riker’s Island holding cell. When he makes the mistake of messing with the wrong prisoner, he is badly beaten and sent to the hospital. The plot then builds around Connie’s plan to sneak Nick out of the hospital, yet he ends up with the wrong man who then becomes Connie’s next accomplice. When Ray (Buddy Duress), the accomplice, faces sudden death after jumping out of a window to escape police, Connie comes up with another plan to rescue Nick. When they get back together, they immediately begin their crime-filled shenanigans and this time, Connie ends up behind bars and Nick finally gets the mental health support that he needs to come full circle.
The entire film is about two highly-dysfunctional brothers who realize that they are truly all that each other has in life. While they display a love-hate relationship, there is an underlying need to protect one another because they are blood. While the film is a combination of humor and drama, the underlying effects of untreated mental illness is worthy of taking note of. In the midst of the fun they seem to be having as notorious losers, the film has a serious demeanor that resonates throughout the madness and makes it a drama worth watching. Directors Ben and Josh Safdie had a great hand in creative control and excellent casting of Ben and Robert as modern-day criminals without a conscience.
In theaters Friday, August 25th
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