Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best (Ryan O’Nan, 2011):USA

Reviewed by Barbara Rowland.  Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2012.

Written, directed and starring Ryan O’Nan Brooklyn Brothers was one of the best of the SBIFF comedic musical entries. This light hearted comedy from debuting director O’Nan is about an unusual duo who enjoys making music. While originally premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Brooklyn Brothers,  was a huge success. During the premeire the cast members made appearances and held interviews, which when combined with the antics of the film,  helped maintain the films’ every gaining popularity.

The story takes shape around a rejected musican Alex (O’Nan) who seeks fluidity and accomplishments within his life. Traveling from sour gigs, to a hostile workplace, as well as facing unrequited love, Alex faces little to be excited about. After an incident including a pink bunny costume, a fake knife and a room full of handicap children Alex hit’s rock bottom. His day worsens as he is assaulted by a stranger in a neighborhood park. After coming to, the assailant reveals to Alex that he is the bandmate he has been searching for. Jim (Michael Watson) pusuades Alex to hit the road on a designed tour plan created for the duet.  After piling up a series of electronic toy intruments from Jim’s personal collection, he and Alex create a complimentry pair of musicians. Their first stop leads to a club managed by a edgy host named Cassidy (Arielle Kebbel) who eventually becomes an accesory to their tour. Throughout their journey they face love, loss, and above all the magic of music making. The events take them across country on the most awkward tour of their life.

The hit mise-en-scene was nicely done, and the cast perfectly seleted placing Brothers on the top of my list of “films that tug on your heart strings.” The combination of nostalgic electronic music sounds and the use of acoustic instruments was creative, original and fun. While set against the backdrop of funky night clubs and rual towns this “road trip” movie created a pretty general ambiance for the film. The music was extremely interesting utilizing 1980-1990 modeled children’s electronics. Looping was also used by the use of a tape recorder. This added a special touch to the story but also was created after real life musical group Crayon Rosary. With this said however, the comedic interactions between Watson and O’Nan was what sealed the deal for me Their relationship seemed natural and improvised. Also the surprise appearance of Christopher Mcdonald (SLC Punk!, Requiem for a Dream) as well as Wilmar Valderrama (That 70’s Show, Party Monster)  and Andrew McCarthy (St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink) was a random but appreciated addition.  I often wondered how they all kept a straight face.

While I could have enjoyed much more interaction between the “brothers” the love story between Alex and Cassidy was cute. I am not usually a fan of sappy and predictable, but after all the heartache and pain I wanted to see Alex win. I was much more interested in the music than any side story. The funky creative sounds were exciting to hear. I hope to see more films from this breakthrough film maker and will definitely recommend this film to others.