2 Brothers and A Bride

Starring:David Arquette
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Behind The Cheesy Title And DVD Cover Art Lies A Unique And Informative Film About Mail-order Brides
Delightful and well balanced
2 Brothers and A Bridge
Excellent
Awkward Mix of Comedy & Drama with a Few Bright Spots.

2 Brothers and A Bride
Starring: David Arquette
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00022FWHC
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Customer Reviews:

Behind The Cheesy Title And DVD Cover Art Lies A Unique And Informative Film About Mail-order Brides .......2006-12-26

I caught this small picture under the title "A Foreign Affair" because I tend to like Emily Mortimer and her film choices. Well, let me tell you something, the DVD title "2 Brothers and a Bride" along with the generic cover picture with a somewhat inappropriately highlighted Mortimer do nothing to represent the real film. Hoping, I suppose, to cash in on a more commercial and conventional romantic comedy hook, they actually do a disservice to the more unique story that is told here. So expecting a silly David Arquette comedy, what I got instead was a fairly effective look at familial loyalty, a subtle romance, and a pretty incisive look at the "mail-order bride" trade. While not a great picture, it is far better than I bargained for or than the DVD packaging would have led me to believe.

Two brothers, David Arquette and Tim Blake Nelson, are eeking out a meager existence on their family farm. Having their mother to tend for most of the household chores, things fall into disarray upon her death. Both are already emotionally and socially stunted from an isolated lifestyle, but become desparate to find someone to help around the house. Nelson stumbles across an Internet site showcasing potential brides in Russia. So the two sign up for a trip which will, hopefully, bring a new woman into their life. Seeking a business arrangement only, they plan a meticulous selection process--but not all goes smoothly. Arquette, suddenly free and blossoming, starts to experience the joys to be had in the world of women. Meanwhile, Nelson doggedly pursues a practical match while being filmed by a British documentarian, played by Mortimer.

The film is actually more serious than one might expect. While there are definitely laughs to be had, the depiction of the "marriage business" is both informative and believable. It's not a topic that is usually covered in much detail, so this close-up look seemed fresh. Nelson and Arquette interact well, and each character is developed in detail and evolves in a realistic way. Mortimer does solid work, as always--but this is mostly about the boys. Ultimately, things wrap up rather too conveniently for my taste--but I did enjoy the ride.

"2 Brothers and a Bride" showcases nice performances and an interesting setting. Much smarter than it's title, it was a pleasant surprise. I'd rate it at about 3 1/2 stars for some unevenness and the tidy and pat ending, but I'm rounding up to encourage people to give this little film a look. KGHarris, 12/06.

Delightful and well balanced.......2006-11-12

Having visited St. Petersburg, Russia a year ago, I could not pass up the chance to watch this movie. I must say, it was nicely done. I can relate to the obnoxious, business like brother...who happily did not go with me on my trip. I was more like the care-free younger brother, but not quite so care-free as the character protrayed. The scenery was awesome...all the fantastic architecture of those magnificent buildings and sculptures were in the movie...although I wish there were more because the city is full of beauty. And this goes for the women as well!! I mainly went to see the city...but I also went there as a very confirmed bachlor to meet a lady that I planned would be my travel companion. What I didn't expect was to really fall in love :-). The BIG reason why I confirmed myself to be a life time bacholar was my exposure to American women...as if explained in the additional extras on the DVD...but the Russian lady that I met there and the culture of her up-bringing quickly changed my way of thinking!! One thing I should add though. The movie gave the impression that you can take her home with you when you go back to the states yourself. Such is not the case. It takes paperwork and a lot of patience to get her here...expect at least 8 months, but it is more like a year. It is time consuming to get her a US visa. But she was worth the wait for me and if you want a life long partner and lover, the wait is worthwhile. Another word of caution: Prepare yourself to fall in love with Russia...the people are very nice and I know of a lot of Americans who go there quite often to visit and re-visit...some even live there now.

2 Brothers and A Bridge.......2006-03-14

My favorite movies are those with interesting characters and engrossing dialogue. This movie has both and was delightful and entertaining.

Excellent.......2006-01-18

I'll be honest. I only watched this movie because it has Emily Mortimer in it. The first time, anyway. The second, third, and fourth times were for the very simple reason that I loved the movie. Action lovers be warned: it moves at a VERY slow pace (although, for some reason, it never drags), and its appeal lies almost entirely in the performances of Tim Blake Nelson and Emily Mortimer. Maybe I should explain a bit.

The film is about two brothers (shocking, isn't it?) whose late mother spoiled them beyond reason. They are incapable of fending for themselves, even to do laundry. Their home is such a disaster that they cannot even find a maid who is willing to work more than one day. Desperate, they finally reach the obvious (!?) conclusion. Wife! Using the actual international matchmaking agency A Foreign Affair, the older brother, Jake (Nelson) books tickets to Russia, where they hope to find a woman who will keep house in exchange for a green card.

Once they reach St. Petersburg, though, the brothers find they are not the only ones interested in Russian brides. A documentary filmmaker (Mortimer) offers to translate for Jake as long as he allows her to follow him around with a camera in his face. Both brothers begin to learn a bit more about themselves, women, and the world at large.

The movie was shot in an almost documentary style, including several interviews with real men who had actually gone to St. Petersburg to find wives. Seriously. But if this were a documentary, it would be the most hilarious one I ever watched. The movie is obviously not for everyone. If you like black comedy, this is the way to go, but if your taste runs more towards gags and obvious jokes, avoid it like the plague!

Awkward Mix of Comedy & Drama with a Few Bright Spots........2004-10-30

Jake (Tim Blake Nelson) and Josh (David Arquette) are brothers who live on a Midwestern farm where their mother (Lois Smith) takes care of them and dotes on spoiled, child-like Josh. When their mother dies, the brothers are left at loose ends Finding that they aren't good at taking care of themselves, they decide they need a wife to do the cooking and cleaning. So it's off to St. Petersburg, Russia on a "Romance Tour" to find a homemaker in exchange for a Green Card.

"Two Brothers and a Bride" combines a study of the brothers' relationship and romantic realities with self-consciously corny comedy. Tim Blake Nelson and David Arquette are accomplished character actors, whose performances are almost not superficial enough for a romantic comedy. They're joined by the talented Emily Mortimer as a British documentarian who is filming foreign men who have journeyed to Russia in search of wives. "Two Brothers and a Bride" has its moments. Jake's methodical quest for a wife/housekeeper is at times very funny. But somehow the corny stuff, irony, and relationship drama don't converge successfully. The film isn't bad, but it's awkward.

The DVD: Bonus features include filmographies for Emily Mortimer, David Arquette, and Tim Blake Nelson, as well as "A Foreign Affair Virtual Tour", which is a 5-minute infomercial for the Foreign Affair "Romance Tour" that the characters in the movie take. By the way, "A Foreign Affair" and its tours are real. Their web address is www.loveme.com .

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