The Brothers McMullen
Starring: Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, Jack Mulcahy
Directed by: Edward Burns
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Box Office: $10,426,506
1995
Times Seen:
Tim: 1
Summary: Three brothers (Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, Jack Mulcahy) deal with relationships and love while trying to overcome their childhood with an angry, violent father.
Review:
Tim: Edward Burns announces proudly with The Brothers McMullen that he is a powerful young talent as he serves as director, writer, producer, and actor in his debut film. Burns will undoubtedly go on to bigger and better things and it is amazing that this film is his very first.
Burns focuses strongly on telling a good, small story about three Irish Catholic brothers dealing with love and life. He appeals to our emotions and our humor as he takes his characters through difficult times of learning and discovery.
Burns gives himself a somewhat smaller role, but he shines brighter than anyone else on screen. He isn't the main character, but there is no doubt when watching this film who the real star is. Even in a supporting role, he out-performs the rest of the cast. The moments when he is on screen are by far the most enjoyable of the movie.
The Brothers McMullen should be seen primarily for the talent of Edward Burns. I recommend following this film up with She's the One, his second film. Watching these two together will remarkably show how Burns develops as a director and an actor. He also brings along many of the same actors for that film.
This is a pretty decent dramatic comedy. It is a small film and the small scale is at times frustrating, but it is the first film in a talented director and actor's career, and he can be forgiven for any faults that are in the film. The Brothers McMullen is a family-focused, interesting look at three brothers coping with life. It is worth seeing.
Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5
If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: She's the One, 15 Minutes, Saving Private Ryan, Sidewalks of New York, Life or Something Like It, Confidence