THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY (2016)

Directed By: Louis Lettier 
Written By: Sacha Baron Cohen, Phil Johnston & Peter Baynham 
Story By: Sacha Baron Cohen & Phil Johsnston 
Cinematography By: Oliver Wood 
Editor: Jonathan Amos, Evan Henke, Debra Neil-Fisher & James Thomas 


Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Penelope Cruz, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson, Tasmin Egerton, Scott Adkins, David Harewood, Annabelle Wallis, Gabourey Sidibe, Barkhad Abdi 

MI6's top assassin has a brother. Unfortunately for him, he's a football hooligan from the town of Grimsby. Nobby has everything a man from the poor English fishing town of Grimsby could want - 9 children and the most attractive girlfriend in northern England. There's only one thing missing in his life: his little brother, Sebastian. After they were adopted by different families as children, Nobby spent 28 years searching for him. Upon hearing of his location, Nobby sets off to reunite with his brother, unaware that not only is his brother an MI6 agent, but he's just uncovered a plot that puts the world in danger. On the run and wrongfully accused, Sebastian realizes that if he is going to save the world, he will need the help of its biggest idiot.

If you are used to the comedic stylings of Sasha Baron Cohen then this film is for you. though here the film is more plot oriented and scripted than his films BORAT and BRUNO. It still has the shock humor that he is known for.

Though in those films at least there was a certain bravery and dependence on staying in character. This film is more broad and still offered shock and gross humor. It is funny to a degree, but he laughs more come from those elements rather then just in general.

This isn't his first stab at scripted comedy in a starring role that would be THE DICTATOR. Here he finds himself in an action comedy and while it plays all those typical beats. The film also has a sloppiness to it. Thatcomes off gross overall.

It's highly styled like an action film and so far one of his better looking and directed films. It also comes off as obviously predictable and really the only things that are different is the level of laughs and risqué material the film brings to the table. Which is also the only things that make the film particularly noteworthy.

It's an action film that also plays like a mild spoof of spy films to a degree.

As the film crosses many boundaries with it's material, Even Aids is not off the table and one set piece involving not only being inside an elephant but making one ejaculate. It also seems to be obsessed with anal sex straight and homosexual.

It is a film that easily offends but if you have the stomach for it. I don't believe you will be too disappointed, but if looking for the smart satire of his previous films. There is none to be had here.

I will give the film points for being prophetic and knowing to really stick it to Donald Trump early before he was elected president of the United States. With a wicked sense of humor and revenge.

The movie is never truly subtle in It's humor nor it's aim.

The well respected names in the supporting cast more take a backseat to the stars as they are given barely anything to do but appear and play one note roles. No room for them to be funny more just them reacting to the madness around them. It is outlandish but wisely keeps things moving from one action and comedic sequence to the next.

Penelope Cruz in particular. So far this is the second zany comedy she has appeared in this year. At least the other one has he decency to exploit her looks. Here she has no real reason to be here unless she just wanted to be in a bawdy comedy. While getting heavy billing. As it seems more like a paycheck role with no actual flavor to it.

Being that Sacha Baron Cohen’s humor is more character comedy. It’s odd to see him more in an action comedy and the director seems to in for the challenge but seems to have a hard time mixing this brand of humor and the action sequences.

The film feels like a wild ride but by the end all for nothing.

GRADE: C