Review of ‘The Brothers Grimsby’

Is Sacha Baron Cohen growing a conscience? Short answer – no.

I approached the new Sacha Baron Cohen film ‘The Brothers Grimsby’ with a little apprehension. Famous for his shock comedy, stereotyped visions of some of the most controversial figures in cinematic history, it seemed like Cohen’s latest offering might be lacking in offense. But boy, was I surprised.

Nobby is a slovenly football hooligan, surrounded by a horde of children, a raunchy chav wife (Rebel Wilson) and a prime position in the estate’s local pub hierarchy. After years of separation from his brother Sebastien (Mark Strong), Nobby finally gets the chance to track him down.

Of course things aren’t as simple as they once were. Sebastien is now an MI6 assassin. After Nobby stuffs up his latest mission and Sebastien is declared rogue, the two go on the run together. In the process they have to foil a plot for global destruction and Nobby gets his shot at becoming a caricature of a northern James Bond type.

The film in my opinion, is not his greatest offering. In fact it’s not that great at all. It’s too predictable and a little bit limp, the laughs are still there though, at least for some of it.

It’s clear that Baron Cohen is still up to his same old tricks. Aside from some of the gags which at points are beyond all expectations of depravity, what the film has really done is turn his previously outward feelers for cringe worthy comedy inwards, to his own nation.

Finally, you don’t go to watch a Baron Cohen film for its acting, plot or cinematography. You go along to be shocked, reviled and revolted and if that’s your cup of tea I’d say this is milk and two sugars for you.

By Sam Kromar.