‘Bromates’ Review – A Wild And Unexpected Road To Clarity

Synopsis: When best friends – though polar opposites – Jonesie (Howery) and Sid (Brener) both break up with their girlfriends at the same time they decide to move in together in a misguided attempt to help each other through their respective breakups. Alongside their friends Angry Mike (Ali) and Runway Dave (Scannell), things move quickly from heartbreak to hilarity, to life, and potentially, death.

No one enjoys getting dumped, and we all handle our breakups differently. Some of us drown ourselves in our own tears, some hulk out leaving holes in walls, some numb their pain with alcohol or drugs, some find solace in the naked company of exes or strangers, and others walk away seemingly unphased. Not to mention, if you have a friend or group of friends that really care about you, they might be all the comfort that you need.  Regardless of your coping method, for better or worse, you’re changed. Things may not happen for a particular reason, but they unfold as they should and that alone should give you the hope to move forward confidently.

“You’re not going for a girl, you’re going for an adventure.”

Take note. If you just bought a sex swing, don’t hire a midnight ballerina to help you test its sturdiness, your girlfriend won’t like it. While I’ve never made such a hilariously moronic mistake, it’s funny to see someone else do it. Directed by Court Crandall Bromates is a wild and unexpected road to clarity. Held together by its goofy antics and comedic star-power, it is the performances that keep this rather familiar feeling film interesting. With a premise that a vast majority of us can relate to in some fashion, it’s easy to initially become charmed by the slightly true story being delivered. You can liken the vibe of it to films such as The Hangover, I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell, and Sex Drive all rolled into one. It’s a group of friends going on an adventure and getting themselves into trouble, making random new acquaintances, and learning more about each along the way. Unfortunately, while it may be in the same category as other great comedies, despite its potential, it falls short in its execution.

”Have you not learned anything from me?”

In most bro movies, depending on the size of the friend group, there tend to be two or sometimes three characters that the film will focus most of its time on—this film is no different. In this group of four, the narrative is led by Sid but also his best friend Jonesie. As the two simultaneously go through breakups, it’s their friendship with each other as well as Runway Dave and Angry Mike that will get them through it. Perhaps some new ladies in their lives will help. Once the guys get together the debauchery begins. Also, that is where the film loses itself. It focuses too much on the shenanigans and too little on the development of its characters. The characters failed to be fleshed out enough to actually care about what happens to them. The hijinks only work if we feel like we know the characters on a personal level and we barely get to know anyone other than surface-level traits where you can immediately see what setups and scenarios are to come. Not only that, but certain plot points make no sense at all and there are many unanswered questions. In the end, it ultimately felt like a rushed and incomplete story. Nevertheless, there are some decent laughs and the characters are decently funny, but that is due to performance not writing or direction. It’s absurd at times but there is plenty of heart and good intentions that you can’t completely write it off. This is definitely one for a Friday night with the munchies. Its rewatchability is low.

Pacing & Pop

Like many other comedies within the same vein, this film relies on its fast pace and quick humor to deliver its story. However, some scenes unfold a bit too fast and others not fast enough. What popped out for me were the various personalities within the friend group. Although, It’s not incredibly clear what binds them apart from childhood.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Josh Brener, Lil Rel Howery, Brendan Scannell, Asif Ali, Jessica Lowe, Flula Borg, Ken Davitian, Taryn Manning, Marla Gibbs, Rob Riggle, Snoop Dogg

The friendship dynamic of the cast is what keeps the film afloat. While the story is a bit all over the place, Brener’s reluctance, the hijinks of Howery, the secrecy of Scannell, and the anger of Ali keep it fun. However, no combination of the cast could save the film from ultimately falling a bit flat.

Bromates is now playing in theaters and is also available on VOD. Stay safe and enjoy.

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Court Crandall

Writers: Chris Kemper and Court Crandall

Producer: Nicholas Tabarrok

Executive Producers: Chris Kemper, Snoop Dogg

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mXnx_MKKGY]