FilmSnobReviews

Title: Dr Brinks & Dr Brinks
Rating: TV-MA
Director: Josh Crockett
Starring: Kristin Slaysman, Scott Rodgers, Ashley Spillers
Runtime: 1hr 26min

What It Is: After their seemingly remarkably charitable parents Dr. Brinks and Dr. Brinks are lost in a fatal plane crash, dysfunctional siblings Marcus and Michelle (Rodgers and Slaysman) are forced to reunite and cope with the circumstances and aftermath of the couple’s passing in this comedy-drama.

What We Think: Though its score and soundtrack are serviceable, even effectively pleasant to listen to, the overall technical presentation of this film is a little flat. Which wouldn’t be as much of a problem if its story was more focused and eventful. In one bad decision and mishap after another, Marcus and Michelle come to a place in their lives where they don’t have much else left to lose, yet it still leaves the viewer all too comfortable in the wait for the stakes to take reign. The family drama aspect is set up well, if not a bit too familiar of a plot as far as independent comedy flicks go, but otherwise, it seems to have a solid script. The reason to why I say “seems” is simply because I’m not entirely sure if that’s to the credit of the screenplay or the actors themselves (though I’m willing to put money on the latter). The characterization is fine and in some parts, enjoyable. Spillers was a fun character to watch that I wish had more of a positive presence in the story rather than just being a supportive entity, but otherwise, the subjects of this film felt pretty whole.

Our Grade: C-, I suppose it’s a passing grade due to the two little laughs I got out of it and the actors’ great performances. And the soundtrack. There are a lot of good if not great ideas going on here; it has quite a bit of potential, but the story is just too sparse and dull to keep me truthfully invested throughout the whole thing. After watching, it left me cold and ready to move on to my next endeavor. I hope to not discourage anyone working behind this project or downplay any talent or skill, as I see a real chance at improvement—overall, it was directed well and I can see there being a movie in the future by Crockett that can be much, much better. Here, the story simply isn’t that much of a reel.