Amazon's Brothers: A Dark, Hilarious Twist on a Clint Eastwood Classic!
Brothers (2024): A Surprisingly Dark Remake of Every Which Way but Loose
Amazon's new crime comedy, Brothers, might not be an official remake of anything in particular but its storyline will make you instantly think about one film in particular; and we’ll soon see exactly just why this is the case. While it shares a superficial resemblance toTwins(thatArnold Schwarzenegger/Danny DeVitoclassic), it’s secretly a far darker, grittier take onClint Eastwood's Every Which Way but Loose(1978)! The storyline seems surprisingly similar toTwins, including that key plot point that involves the two main characters having to take an unexpected roadtrip to find their mother, whilst being stalked by an implacable criminal!
The cast; led byJosh BrolinandPeter Dinklagedeliver many amazing comedic moments but with a dark and cynical tone – that makesBrothersa surprisingly enjoyable viewing.There is an extremely obvious contrast from the feel of that classic, heartwarming feel seen inTwins; this grittier reality contrasts against the tone established throughout that earlier 1980’s classic and adds an intense layer; almost creating this darker tone which seems surprisingly appealing and totally new, yet immediately recognizable through several storytelling techniques borrowed and adapted.
Brothers' Orangutan Encounter: A Disturbing Twist on a Beloved Classic
Brothers’trailer teased this weird thing—Josh Brolin'scharacter pursued by a really amorous orangutan! That’s insane, and the actual scene is just completely insane and unpredictable: the orangutan,Samuel, usesMoke's(Brolin’scharacter)hand for, uh… something inappropriate! The level of detail and commitment from the production shows how much the team involved is willing to push and explore previously untouched avenues and is entirely the result of this decision to change storytelling and those involved.
The comparison withEvery Which Way but Looseis incredibly stark. Eastwood’s film, though initially panned (it currently sits at48%on Rotten Tomatoes) made tons of cash! It famously starsEastwoodas a boxer whose orangutan sidekick,Clyde, steals most of the show (through humor). The similar storyline shows some shared structure; however, the most intense detail remains the obvious changes: That scene inBrothersis asuper dark reimagining ofClyde’scomedic schtick—those lighter, more innocent, far gentler interactions— replaced with dark comedy – using an encounter with orangutan which ends horribly, that creates a truly dark take onClydethat ultimately ends poorly.
Every Which Way but Loose: Clint Eastwood's Unexpected Blockbuster
Clint Eastwood'scareer demonstrates quite an extensive repertoire, those risky choices and unpredictable decisions created unexpected results. Some unexpected choices might be far more appreciated than others; however, even lesser appreciated moments have become extremely memorable. Some commercially challenged movies—thinkHonkytonk ManorWhite Hunter Black Heart, plus a few others demonstrate Eastwood’s willing gamble.
Every Which Way but Loosewas one massive risk that paid off incredibly well – it became a giant 1978 hit;grossing$104 million(roughly$500 milliontoday). That huge success creates an immediate sequelAny Which Way You Canand unexpectedly launchesEastwood'sstrangest-ever franchise.And this extremely unlikely hit was not exactly predictable based upon how unexpected the events truly are.
Brothers' Subversion: A Darker Take on the Orangutan Concept
That unsettlingBrothersscene, the moment whereMokeandSamuelinteract is due to this character decision that makes this whole plotline develop as it did:Moke'sbrother reconnects with his mother,Bethesda(Marisa Tomei), who has this outrageous pet orangutan,Samuel. The lighter, innocent reality ofEvery Which Way but Looseis completely replaced withthis incredibly dark and edgy scene—it showcases this darker narrative that emphasizes those problems surrounding what this kind of pet-owner reality might actually be.
It’s important for viewers to realize just how changed this particular aspect actually is:Every Which Way but Loose'ssuccess involved that novelty. But those days are totally gone. Keeping orangutans isn't funny anymore! Brotherssucceeds because it recognizes this: It's that unique approach, this willingness to go against that lighter tone of many similar movies; making this incredibly cynical and almost surprisingly mature adaptation more impressive overall.
Conclusion: A New Twist on Old Hollywood!
Brothersis more than a simple comedic action-crime flick; it's a surprisingly smart subversion of a very unique type of classic action film. And through the extremely risky yet ultimately very effective gamble; Brothersprovides new insights about the same previously touched plots – those involving relationships and unexpected journeys; and does this uniquely, even generating a surprisingly unique dark humor from that premise! Even if some might find it disappointing and not quite funny, it still remains incredibly memorable; especially regardingthat unexpected and unexpectedly darkly comical interaction betweenMokeandSamuel. This darker, bolder choice completely revitalizes a formerly well-used idea – using some familiar narrative techniques which had become cliché but remaking them effectively and utilizing dark humor completely changes what we previously assumed as possibly being capable and thus this approach is one that deserves far greater discussion.