Movies centered on famous performers during unique times in their careers can be really good. Naturally, how enjoyable they are depends heavily on the quality and depth of information available about those individuals. Sadly, that’s where writer-director Bill Fishman's newest film—a comedic memoir concerning a celebrated actor—falls short. During the latter half of the 20th century, Marlon Brando (played by Billy Zane) charmed audiences with performances in films like “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951) and “On the Waterfront” (1954), eventually becoming a familiar face in homes across the country by the 1970s. However, the actor, known for his extravagant lifestyle and unusual behavior, grew tired of being in the spotlight and relocated to Tahiti to live a quieter life closer to nature, a passion that isn’t widely discussed. He bought a private island—though difficult to reach—with plans to build an environmentally friendly retreat center. To design and oversee construction of this facility, Brando hired Bernard Judge (Jon Heder), a somewhat awkward Los Angeles architect who was urged by his family and friends to accept the job as a way to gain confidence and establish himself professionally. The story that unfolds is about the chaotic process of bringing the project to life, filled with oddball characters and unusual situations. Unfortunately, the film has several problems with how it’s presented. For example, the storytelling feels disjointed (which isn't surprising given Fishman's background in music videos), a flaw clearly reflected in the scattered script and plot. The movie is mainly told from Judge’s perspective—a character who wasn’t particularly compelling to begin with—and consequently focuses more on him than the actor whose name appears in the title. Because the architect’s story isn’t inherently that interesting, it feels fragmented, incomplete, stretched out, and even silly at times, including details that aren't relevant, especially about Judge’s personal life. Brando is reduced to a minor character, appearing sporadically to offer mysterious comments and engage in excessive behavior. The film also includes some somewhat cheesy recreations of memorable scenes from several movies the actor made to finance the project, such as his performance in “The Godfather” (1972) and his nomination for “Last Tango on Paris” (1973), which seems a bit much considering what the movie is about. Aside from these moments, Zane does what he can with the material he’s given (which isn't saying much), and his physical transformation to portray Brando is definitely impressive. It’s also nice to see Brando recognized for his environmental efforts, something he hasn’t always received credit for. But “Waltzing with Brando” doesn’t offer much else, making it not worth the time invested. You'd be better off watching one of his actual films, a documentary about Tahiti, or an ecological program instead.

Source on TMDB