Brothers

Brothers was released in Canada on December 4, 2009. Jim Sheridan directs this cast of young talent in Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire.

The film is adapted from a Dutch film, and is the story of a young man who goes to fight in Afghanistan just about the time his trouble-making brother is released from prison. Presumed dead, the poor soul is actually being tortured by Al -Qaeda. In the meanwhile, his brother is bonding with his wife and kids. When the captain is rescued, the return to his old life is not exactly seamless. This is not an original plot, and you won't find yourself shocked with any major twists, but it is a well told story.

This film may get some significant Oscar attention. As I said, the screenplay is good but not awesome. The acting, however, is very good. This is my favorite Gyllenhaal performance to date. This is also a big role for Portman, and she delivers very well. Maguire was great as well, but it felt a little like he was overacting. Of course, in my mind I only see him as Spiderman. The weaving of the tale made for some decent directing, but I don't see Best Picture or Best Director nods forthcoming here.

Brothers is a movie you will enjoy whether you have Oscar fever or not.