By John Saeger
Half Brothers is a comedy with more than a few chuckles, bleats, and a story that promotes a better understanding of what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. The film about family distanced by borders is an enjoyable romp through the Southwestern United States. Even though it is not set during the holidays, it is a solid option for a holiday season when many are socially distanced from their own family.
The film is directed by Luke Greenfield, whose best known work is the Elisha Cuthbert flick The Girl Next Door. This much more recent effort primarily features Luis Gerardo Méndez and Connor Del Rio as two siblings who could not be more different. Méndez plays Renato, a Mexican airline executive who spent much of his young adult life not knowing what happened to his father who crossed the American border in search of work.
After a flash forward to the present day, Renato discovers that he has a new half-brother. Renato’s newfound family member, Asher, is an American social media influencer with few concrete accomplishments. The pair are sent on a scavenger hunt to fill gaps in their understanding of their father (and themselves). Along the way they are joined by a goat and the uncomfortable side of Mexican and American stereotypes.
The two brothers have a Planes, Trains, and Automobiles incompatibility. Instead of missing a Thanksgiving dinner where reheating was clearly not an option, the brothers are up against a much more realistic deadline of Renato’s wedding. The movie’s blend of the oddball, straight man, and whacky travel scenes is not as sidesplitting as the classic, but contains a close enough premise.
Half Brothers finds its comedic gold when dealing with their clash of personalities. There are no mistaken pillows or socks in the sink, but enough other laughs to be found in their physical and emotional journey.
While the movie is not the most inventive comedy, the curtailed travel and social distancing of 2020 make Half Brothers something of a wistful watch. Finding the humor in their open road hijinx is surprisingly nostalgic. There is enough evergreen buddy humor to keep the movie running along with the brothers. There is little drag to the film that is worth the time if if you are looking for a couple of laughs.
About the Author: John Saeger is a music and film writer from Philadelphia. He is also the co-host of the Philly sports podcast The Boo Birds. Prior to The Globe, he wrote the pop-culture blog Long After Dark, a site dedicated to the arts in the City of Brotherly Love and beyond. Email/ Twitter
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