Philadelphia Film Festival 2009

An age old rivalry between two brothers comes to a startling, hysterical head when a dark secret is revealed in this uproarious American comedy about the nature of family. For as long as they can remember, brothers Jason and Todd have been in fierce competition. Like so many other siblings, the two have been at war for years, determined to prove the other one is the “least favorite” of the family. This year, over Christmas dinner, Todd divulges a piece of information that he thinks will make him win the battle once and for all: Jason is adopted. After a little digging of his own, however, Jason discovers that he isn’t the only one who was born of a different name. The two unlikely companions set out on a hilariously infuriating road trip to find their respective birth parents. Along the way, they discover all too well that sibling rivalry is not skin deep.

Director John Bryant (producer of “Baghead”, PFF 08) makes his hilarious directorial debut with this gut busting comedic gem. The childish antics of Jason and Todd are sure to strike a revelatory chord with anyone who has experienced the craziness of the love/hate sibling relationship. Boasting great performances from first time actors Mark Reeb and Nathan Harlan, The Overbrook Brothers is a dysfunctional family comedy for families of all levels of functionality. –– Michael Lerman