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The Do-Deca-Pentathlon Reviews
Mark (Steve Zissis) and Jeremy (Mark Kelly) are estranged brothers, reunited at Mark's birthday party. When the circumstances regarding their estrangement come to light, they are compelled to complete what they had started years earlier – the Do-Deca-Pentalthalon, a series of athletic events to determine who the superior brother is. Made by Mark and Jay Duplass, one can't help but think there's an autobiographical element to the whole thing. Despite having a sitcom vibe to it, it's a brief (it only runs about 75 minutes) but entertaining comedy with great performances from the two leads and a handful of life lessons to send you on your way.
My favorite Duplass movie. Its hilarious while feeling incredibly real and for me played at times as wish fulfillment. I have a few childhood friends where this comes close, but no one competes quite like family.
Relatable characters, simple set-ups, deceptively complex emotions-these are calling cards of Jay and Mark Duplass, and those settling in to watch their latest, The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, should recognize these trademarks without much difficulty. It's Mark's (Steve Zissis) birthday, and he and his family are flying to his mother's house for a party. Mark's estranged brother, Jeremy (Mark Kelly), shows up uninvited to poke and prod at his brother a bit over the source of their estrangement-the Do-Deca-Pentathlon. In 1990, the two competed against each other in this series of 25 events to determine who was the better man. It ended in controversy, and while they've spoken since, their relationship remains irreparable. Mark and his wife, Stephanie (Jennifer Lafleur), consider leaving, but after an oddly civil game of late-night pool with his brother, Mark decides he's mature enough to not only stay, but also try his hand at another Do-Deca. It won't be just any Do-Deca, however; It must be a secret Do-Deca because Stephanie doesn't think the intense competition between the two brothers is remotely healthy. Secret Do-Decas, shlubby brothers arguing over ping-pong-it's understandable to think The Do-Deca-Pentathlon might be another low-budget comedy filled with petty and irritating characters. The Duplasses' screenplay is tongue-in-cheek, and stylistically, they employ a number of elements designed to drum up a few chuckles. But it might surprise you to learn the film is actually quite earnest. Mark is an emotional mess, and though he and Jeremy might think they're having having good, clean fun, his dark side comes out a few times, and it's a little scary. Jeremy, meanwhile, is more of a loner, but spending time around Mark, Stephanie, and their son, Hunter, opens his eyes to what his life is missing. The Do-Deca Pentathlon features perhaps the strongest ensemble work of any Duplass directorial effort. Steve Zissis is actually fantastic as Mark. He's Jason Segel but for an extra 30 pounds, yet there's real gravitas behind the lovable loser persona, and this Duplass veteran (he appeared in Baghead, Cyrus, and Jeff, Who Lives at Home) simply nails it all. No one else in the film is asked to do quite as much as Zissis, but Kelly, Lafleur, and even Julie Vorus (as Mark and Jeremy's mother) have give strong, assured performances. Even if you don't fall for the third act switcheroo (I hesitate to call it a twist because it isn't in the Shymalan sense. That said, things take a pretty big turn toward the dramatic), the film is damn funny. The film opens with Mark telling Stephanie a horrifying, but hilarious, story about Jeremy and poop. There's a really entertaining laser tag bit about halfway through the film. And, as I mentioned before, there are a moments of stylistic comedy-like when Mark promises Stephanie he isn't doing a Do-Deca and the film smash cuts to a laser tag facility. The music, also, underscores the inherent silliness of a family war built on games like mini golf and skee-ball. There will be plenty who find The Do-Deca-Pentathlon's characters too immature, but anyone with real competitive blood running through their veins will understand how wrapped up one can get into something like this is. Mark can't admit defeat in the first Do-Deca because he didn't lose. Yes, the problems caused by this incident are unfortunate, but this damn contest is important, too. It's important. And though the film does a lot of things, you can't deny that the Duplasses succeed and getting that message across-an essential step in getting you to care about this film, which I did. It's an odd one, but also quite enjoyable. http://www.johnlikesmovies.com/do-deca-pentathlon-review/
Sibling rivalry flick that strikes me on a personal level, and succeeds in getting laughs & holding your attention. Mad props to the Duplass duo to include laser tag as one of the fierce competitions (hell yes).
Nothing in this very long 76 minute mess grabbed me or rang true. The style just annoyed me. It was in the camera style of The Office or Parks & Rec with quick zoom ins and outs, but it had none of the good acting, writing or humor of those great series. I should've quit this movie halfway through when I realized I just didn't like it at all. Very disappointing from Mark Duplass. I get the kernel of the idea here, but it just didn't work on screen and especially with these actors.
Funny. Sweet. Slice of life.
Another odd yet effective film from the Duplass brothers. This one feels like it was drawn from personal experiences, which helps in its realistic feel. Quiet moments emphasize the bubbling tension between brothers, capped with outbursts of frustration. The Duplass's prove yet again their true skill at writing.
The wisest choice of all is to cast talented unknown actors, who make these characters and the absurd goings-on feel that much more real--and hence all the more funny. I say SEE IT!!!
Embracing the nature of sibling rivalry and a desire to return to the familiar, The Duplass Brothers bring a dark comedy that lives and breathes reality with every passing event. Steve Zissis and Mark Kelly play brothers Mark and Jeremy who haven't communicated most of their lives but meet up one weekend when Mark and his wife and son visit their mother for his birthday weekend. With Mark stressed out and on medication, everyone sees Jeremy's presence as a bad thing. However, when he pitches the self-titled, made-up Do-Deca Pentathlon to Mark, which they did as kids with no clear winner, Mark is determined to beat his brother, at any cost necessary, including lying to his family, missing his birthday party, and causing multiple scenes. As much as the stakes are a little melodramatic at times, the comedy is there. With believable performances from Zissis and Kelly, the film stays on track for most of its run. Unclear as to the actual motives of the wife, Stephanie (Jennifer Lafleur) and her instant hatred for the competition, her part in the film feels derivative, a hindrance for the sake of hindrance. "The Do-Deca-Pentathlon" screams the styling of the Duplass Brothers, and continues their recent run with available, dark comedies. Still surprising that Jay and Mark did not star in the film, you have to wonder how much of this is autobiographical between the two.
Awesome. So much is so true. It doesn't matter what age you are guys will always love the competition.
A mostly charming, often downright goofy indie comedy, but lacks a satisfying resolution and gets just a bit too serious towards the end
Do-Deca-Pentathalon is a fun and realistic depiction of brotherly competitiveness. The film's originality, lightness, and emotion makes up for the fact that the characters get dug into, but never deep enough to fully understand them.
Despite the distracting camerawork, it works emotionally in telling the history of brothers whose solely idiom is the competition.
Very disappointing. The filmmakers never captured what they were looking for. Plotted out poorly, as well.
This movie is funny at times, but is probably about 45-minutes too long. It should have been a short film, or it could have been a sit-com episode. There are some laughs and the story is fun and interesting, but why try and make this into a 75-minute film.
While there is a joke here - the fact that it focusses on the complete childishness of two men and does not further develop it - really lets this down
A film with great heart, showing how the small things can affect a family for better or for worse.
Typically low-key character study by the Duplass Brothers that successfully explores the role of jealousy within sibling relationships. Now if they would only find a real cinematographer and get rid of the cutesy The Office stylistics they seem so fond of... Also the acting us mediocre at best.
It could have just been a goofy slapstick movie and people would have been fine with it, but I like that it chose to explore the more realistic relationship between siblings. That being said, Like all Duplass brothers films, it has some questionable camera work (though also some very excellent visuals when compared to some of their other films) and the movie is slow.