Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire (R) No Rating

What's with the weird nicknames and why is that the title of the movie?

Story

Chris Remi is a responsible, mostly serious accountant with the nickname Goat of Fire. Tony is his younger brother, a struggling actor who's popular with the ladies and goes by the nickname Smiling Fish. When their parents die, the two must learn to adjust to life without Mom and Dad. Meanwhile, Chris attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife before meeting an Italian beauty, while Tony must decide what he wants when he meets his perfect match.

Acting

Chris and Tony, played by real-life brothers Derick and Steven Martini, respectively, are relatively newcomers to the big screen and their acting doesn’t necessarily leave a lasting memory. They’re brothers playing brothers, no real stretch there. The best performance, by far, is provided by Bill Henderson, who plays Clive Winters -- a retired soundman from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Clive warms up to Chris, taking him under his wing to teach him a thing or two about the wonders of love and weaving the films various subplots into a sweet package.

Direction

Director Kevin Jordan also wrote this film with the Martini brothers and produced it on a shoestring budget of $40,000. Clearly, then, it's all about the story. Shot in Los Angeles over 12 days, Jordan draws you in with the appealing story line, wins you over with some comic relief and keeps you hoping that each brother will get his girl.

Bottom line

For their first time out, the Martini Brothers will find love from moviegoers, too.

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Starring Christa Miller, Derick Martini, Steven Martini, Bill Henderson and Rosemarie Addeo

Written and directed by Kevin Jordan. Produced by Derick Martini. Released by IDP/Stratosphere Entertainment.

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