Menendez: Blood Brothers

Not the first TV-movie to cover the murders committed by Beverly Hills brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez in 1989--and likely not to be the last. Back from a break in his schedule at Princeton, older brother Lyle learns that Erik is still being sexually molested by their father, entertainment businessman Jose Menendez, after many years, as Lyle had been. With mom "Kitty" looking the other way, afraid of rocking the boat--and a discovery of rifles in Dad's study--Lyle is convinced that Jose is trying to kill his sons and that he and Erik need to act first. For a Lifetime movie, the frank, detailed trial dialogue of molestation is surprising, as is the slant writer Abdi Nazemian takes: he seems in favor of Lyle and Erik being exonerated (half the jury members presiding over their first trial, eventually a hung jury, are even shown to be a bunch of ill-educated homophobes). Nazemian even comes up with a fruity plot conceit: having the ghost of Kitty Menendez frequently visiting Erik in his jail cell--even forgiving him and encouraging his pen-pal romance with a female admirer! However much of this is fact or fiction doesn't really matter, as the movie is strictly a time-filler for the curious. That said, Benito Martinez and Courtney Love are excellent as Jose and Kitty (Love even makes her ghostly house calls work). Portraying Lyle and Erik, Nico Tortorella and Myko Olivier are good actors uneasily cast; of the two, Tortorella looks the least like his real-life counterpart--and, after the murders, his character (the more forceful brother) just dribbles away. Directed by both Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, "Blood Brothers" is well-made for TV and has some interesting asides, though it isn't a movie the participants would want to boast about. ** from ****

I was disappointed with this version of the movie as it was very cheesy. Courtney Love's character as the spirit of the murdered mom popping up to speak with her sons was so unnecessary. The made for TV series from 1994 is 100% way better: Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills with Edward James Olmos and Beverly D'Angelo.

This is an excellent film w seamless writing, directing & acting work that allows for the viewer to become engrossed in the story and life of these boys in this situation. What is so compelling about this film is that it makes you question whether justice was served or denied. It introduces an element of doubt. If this trial were today, would the outcome have been different? This angle, perspective of the story, is original. Personally, I left feeling that these young men deserve another trial, which I know is not possible under our justice system. The film examines possible abuse that could have provoked such a situation, which, albeit, is horrific- but through the vision of writer Abdi Nazemian and Directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, we are offered the option of asking why. The acting, particularly Myko Olivier is very strong. He is the real deal and carries the film's heart. Nazemian pens nuanced, honest dialogue combined with heart, sincerity and emotion. Bailey and Barbato examine a case that we might have viewed one way and have now, successfully gotten us to consider another option. Not to mention the beautiful shots, symbolism and parallels BTW the brothers and their parents and the art of capturing LA so well. And then we are blessed with Courtney Love. You can feel her struggle and pain. Love is a great actress & we need to see more of her. Film is beyond entertaining!

Menendez: Blood Brothers is brilliant. I was obsessed with this case growing up. I love that this story gave us something to ponder, what if they were telling the truth? It raises so many questions.

The acting is stellar. Courtney Love is great but Myko Olivier is outstanding in his role as Erik.

Great script and incredible directing.

seek it out on iTunes.

I swear to god I heard Tom Hank's voice (only) read them their Miranda Rights.