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THE BROTHERS (R)

Plot Summary: Four lifelong friends cope with changes as relationships and wedding bells begin to interfere with their previous, carefree lifestyles.

Reason for the Rating: Strong sexual content and language.

Entering the theater to watch THE BROTHERS my curiosity centered on whether this movie about four black men would fall back on Hollywood’s usual ghetto stereotype of African-American life. Thankfully this film features four lead characters who are friends AND successful professionals. Jackson (Morris Chestnut) is a pediatrician, Brian (Bill Bellamy) is a lawyer, Terry (Shemar Moore) is a corporate executive, and Derrick (D.L. Hughley) is a teacher.

The main story is this: With the exception of Derrick (who is married) the other three friends try to hold onto the past and remain "players" living a freewheeling, hedonistic lifestyle. However, when Terry announces his plans to marry, the friends react with surprise. Soon they try to convince him that he’s not ready for marriage—and they begin to examine their own relationships with women as well.

Though this movie could easily have taken an important look at all the various aspects of what solid, lifelong relationships could be, it instead reduces male/female relationships to Hollywood’s near-constant fixation on sex. (The most tiresome discussion is actually between Derrick and his wife whose marital problems center on oral sex.)

There are moments, though, when the film shows it could have done much more. This is particularly noticeable in the relationship between Jackson and his photographer girlfriend, Denise (Gabrielle Union). Jackson seems like a real person as he has to deal with his parents’ break-up, his desire to "play the field," and his own need for a loving, lifelong relationship. Jackson’s mother also expressed an intriguing concept in the movie. She explains to Denise that the right man will offer the last snack (such as a chicken wing) while watching TV. To me this is an expression of servanthood or mutual submission, which is a very Christian value.

This movie could have been very good if it had been able to get past the bedroom and into real life real-life relationships. As it is, however, THE BROTHERS just manages to scratch the surface and thus lacks the commitment needed to make it a winner.

FamilyFans.com Recommends: Not worth the price of admission.

After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

---Do you think the portrayal of black culture in this movie is valid? or just another Hollywood stereotype? Explain your answer.

---What values in this movie did you agree or disagree with?

---What qualities area most important to look for in a potential marriage partner?

--Chris Perciante

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