Brothers

Sibling bonds aren’t the only things that feel strained in Brothers, a flat-footed and generically titled crime comedy that squanders a first-rate ensemble cast.

This crude and lowbrow comedy from director Max Barbakow (Palm Springs) employs a buddy-comedy formula with a throwback sensibility. Yet between the constant bickering and the unsympathetic characters, it’s more exhausting than endearing.

As with many estranged crime families, the easiest way to stage a reunion is with money. That’s what lures ex-con Jady (Peter Dinklage) to seek out his brother Moke (Josh Brolin) for his latest score. “We were partners in crime,” Jady explains via narration. “I had the plans. He had the hands.”

However, Moke has a stable life now with his pregnant wife (Taylour Paige), while Jady is on the run from a maniacal corrections officer (Brendan Fraser) seeking revenge.

Still, Moke could use the cash, so he reluctantly goes along with the caper, where the siblings’ usual resentment and hostility resurfaces. They’re chasing a stash of emeralds hidden years ago by their scheming mother (Glenn Close), who abandoned them 30 years ago and apparently hasn’t spoken to either of them since. When she catches wind of the plan, she has motives of her own.

Somehow, the film attracted some stellar performers — some of whom are playing against type — However, everyone involved has done better work elsewhere, and built up the pedigree to withstand this misfire on their resume.

The screenplay by Macon Blair (Hold the Dark) generates some intermittent laughs with its mix of sight gags and one-liners, although it seems unsure whether to mock or embrace its title characters, a sentiment the audience will share, especially as it tries to chart an insincere path to redemption and reconciliation in the second half.

Rather, it’s driven by quirks and hijinks without any narrative backbone to support them — neither the plot nor the characters are remotely grounded in reality. Along the way, there are cameos from Marisa Tomei, the late character actor M. Emmet Walsh, and a weed-smoking orangutan wearing a diaper.

At best, Brothers is a breezy trifle with style and attitude to spare. But while the actors seem to have fun with the material, moviegoers will feel robbed.

Rated R, 89 minutes.