Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman Not Relatable in ‘Brothers’

CHICAGO – The transition from hot young actor to the domestic picket fence is about ten years and a shadowy crow’s foot. One day you’re a galaxy queen, superhero and Donnie Darko, next you’re playing house in “Brothers.”

Rating: 2.0/5.0

The contemporary scenario features Tobey Maguire as Captain Sam Cahill, a hard-charging and disciplined Marine platoon commander, about to be shipped for his fourth tour into Afghanistan in 2007. His wife Grace (Natalie Portman) is the loyal military wife, ready to stay home and keep raising the family’s two daughters, with a little help from Sam’s father (Sam Shepard) and his father’s wife (Mare Winningham).

Complicating matters is the black sheep of the family, Sam’s brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal). He’s just been released from prison, and his familial conflicts bubble to the surface when confronted again with his perfect brother (Shepard’s character is also a retired Marine officer). Tommy’s drifting continues as Sam goes overseas.

When tragic news surfaces that Sam has been killed in action, Tommy takes on a more protective attitude toward his sister-in-law and nieces. This nearness morphs into a mutual admiration between Tommy and Grace, with a dangerous liason about to develop.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Brothers”

Johnny Comes Marching Home: Tobey Maguire as Sam and Natalie Portman as Grace in ‘Brothers’ Photo credit: © 2009 Lorey Sebastian for Lionsgate

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Brothers”