CORPORATE LINE: Director Terry Gilliam, who brought his magical storytelling talents to such films as TIME BANDITS and THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN, sets his sights on the Brothers Grimm, turning their life into a playfully grim fairy tale all its own. Set in early 18th century French-occupied Germany, THE BROTHERS GRIMM stars Matt Damon as Will Grimm and Heath Ledger as Jake Grimm, siblings who travel the countryside as snake-oil salesmen, convincing unsuspecting towns that they are haunted and agreeing to get rid of the demons–for a price. In the meantime, they set their tales down in writing, creating a wealth of oddball, offbeat, and frightening characters. But after they are caught by General Delatombe (Jonathan Pryce) and his sidekick, Cavaldi (Peter Stormare), they are sent to the tiny village of Marbaden to solve the mysterious disappearance of a number of young girls, placing them in the middle of a fantasy world unlike any they’d ever invented. They enlist the help of a peasant woman, Angelika (Lena Headey), and they set off for the evil forest to save the lives of the girls–and themselves. Gilliam has once again built a unique, entertaining land where anything can happen, and he throws in references to such Grimm tales as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Frog Prince for good measure. The movie also features Mackenzie Crook and Richard Ridings as the Grimms’ cohorts, Monica Bellucci as the Mirror Queen, and Julian Bleach and Bruce McEwan as two of Cavaldi’s henchmen.
THE GOOD: There is a story here and some of them are the best ever told. That story is lost on this movie. There is a depth that goes unrequited. And then there are the visuals. This is a brilliant movie if you love CGI.
THE BAD: The Brother’s Grimm looks really good. Real good. And once you get past the visuals you realize that’s all it has going for it. Grimm is all looks and no substance. There are familiar characters that popup throughout the movie tempting us with their familiarity—a tease is all we get.
Our heroes Matt Damon and Heath Ledger either don’t act or forgot how to act. They aren’t the only ones who look like amateurs. Either none of the actors cared or Director Terry Gilliam doesn’t a how to direct humans. From the way the rest of the movie and plot go it seems to fall on Gilliam’s shoulders.
FRANKLY: The only thing that keeps you awake is the fireworks and special effects. Otherwise The Brothers Grimm would be the big sleep. Parents shouldn’t be fooled into thinking this is a kid’s movie—it’s not. In the end it’s not very good either.
+ Charlie Craine
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