By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group
New York City, single and looking for love at 40+ years of age, and a group of friends finding their own unique romantic path. Sound familiar? While it has the same foundation as “Sex in the City,” “Bros” forges its own way with Bobby (Billy Eichner) as the main character who struggles mightily with commitment. He is a powerful voice among the LGBTQ+ community through his popular podcast and is attempting to open the city’s first LGBTQ+ history museum. Bobby has a lot going for himself, however, his personal life leaves much to be desired.
Growing wearisome from dating apps and the resulting meaningless hook-ups, Bobby meets Aaron (Luke MacFarlane), a hunky estate planning lawyer who also avoids relationships like the plague. As much as they try to resist, the two get inexorably closer the more time they spend together. Although, Bobby’s lack of self-confidence and Aaron’s uneasiness of being in a gay relationship around his traditional, small-town family threaten to derail their budding romance.
In a genre that has long since underrepresented the LGBTQ+ community comes a movie that is not only inclusive but is also downright funny. “Bros” is a romantic comedy that does not exclude audiences and will make you laugh regardless of who you are. Do not watch the trailer, it doesn’t do this film justice and is responsible for its underperforming opening weekend. It makes the film come across as pandering and kitschy and it’s anything but that. “Bros” is produced by Judd Apatow, the guy who brought us “Bridesmaids” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” to name a couple, so comedy is assured in this film.
Writer/director Nicholas Stoller is an accomplished comedic filmmaker whose well-received films include “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Get Him to the Greek,” and “Neighbors.” He knows how to make his audiences laugh and “Bros” is no different. Similar to his previous films, he incorporates raunchy humor mixed with heart, but he relies on witty dialogue more so in “Bros.” It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and doesn’t hesitate to make fun of itself and stereotypes.
In terms of style, there’s nothing unique about this film. It follows the rom com formula to a tee, but it really doesn’t need to stray from the predictability of a typical rom com. Although, Stoller makes some missteps in the editing room, leaving unnecessary scenes in the film that have no bearing on the plot. Cutting these scenes would have shaved about 20 minutes from the run time, creating a more focused and well-rounded film.
This is the first starring film role for comedian Billy Eichner, who also co-wrote the screenplay, and he channels his inner Woody Allen to deliver an “Annie Hall” type of performance. He provides a genuinely authentic character to the film that makes him credible and relatable. His cleverly worded rants make for some laugh out loud moments in the film.
Co-star Luke MacFarlane has previously appeared in 14 Hallmark movies, which “Bros” ironically pokes fun at throughout the movie. His acting isn’t great, but he comes across as believable in the role as the more repressed gay man dealing with career insecurities. Debra Messing also makes an appearance in the film as herself and creates one of the most hilarious scenes in the whole movie.
“Bros” is an entertainingly funny film that won’t disappoint, and it won’t be surprising if it receives a Golden Globe nomination. This is a love story that is for everyone, because at its core is simply what every human is seeking, that person with which they can be completely vulnerable and themselves without judgment. Go see this movie with an open mind.
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