The Do-Deca-Pentathlon

There's simplicity to the stories that the Duplass brothers tell. They understand the intricacies of strained family relationships and how simple things can all too easily turn into lifelong grudges. In 'Jeff Who Lives at Home' the writing/directing duo created a lovely, understated dramedy about two brothers reconciling their differences. In 'The Do-Deca-Pentathalon' they've taken on the feuding brothers subject again with some poignant results.

Jeremy (Mark Kelly) and Mark (Steve Zissis) have been at each other's throats since high school. As they've grown into adults and moved away from home the rift between them has only gotten larger. Mark and Jay Duplass appreciate how simple it is for family members to have a falling out, and how, if it isn't taken care of, those feelings can fester over time. The reason Jeremy and Mark don't talk to each other anymore is a seemingly stupid one. When they were teenagers they created a contest by compiling 25 various events into one huge challenge that would once and for all determine who was the best brother. It was a tie with one event remaining, that's where the controversy started.

Brothers are instinctively competitive. We're not really supposed to believe that it was the controversial outcome of the first contest that led to them not speak again. The first contest was simply the catalyst that tore apart an already fragile relationship. It continued on, unrepaired, but not forgotten.

Mark moved on to have a family while Jeremy became a professional poker player. The two of them haven't seen each other until now. Mark is celebrating his birthday with his family at his mom's house. Jeremy finds out he wasn't invited, feels angry, and decides to show up unannounced. That's when the two of them, still bitter about how things went down when they were kids, decide to do another 25-event contest.

The contest is secondary to what the characters are going through. It's a way that we're able to peer into their lives without it seeming too obvious. Both of these guys are struggling with situations far more important than a stupid contest, yet the contest is something tangible. Something that if they win they'll be able to laud over the other. What we really end up finding out about both of them is of far more worth than the contest ever was. That's where the Duplass brothers really shine in their writing. They slowly peel back the layers to reveal the emotional core of the film.

Like most Duplass movies, it isn't until the last 15 minutes that everything clicks together and you feel a sudden frog in your throat and welling in your eyes. They're masters at infusing a simple story with an enormous emotional impact.

It's a movie that feels like real-life. Like it could actually happen to someone, somewhere. The fights between Mark and his wife are genuine. The way Mark and Jeremy detest each other is palpable and is present in numerous families all over the world. The Duplass brothers have tapped into a familial dynamic that isn't explored all that much in movies. We're usually worried about if the guy gets the girl, not if two brothers can get along. Here they're able to shine a light on a world that many of us have experienced. A primal world where brothers fight for alpha male status. Once Mark and Jeremy start in at each other, opening old wounds, it's an uncanny feeling. If you grew up with a brother that you fought with you'll know exactly what they're going through and exactly how much those bad feelings from your sibling rivalry are still there.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

This is a 20th Century Fox release. It's been pressed onto a 25GB Blu-ray Disc and is housed in the typical eco-friendly keepcase. It's coded for Region A use.