Weekly Rents
With the events of the last few weeks in mind the Video Virtuoso thought it prudent to recommend to her loyal readers films whose only purpose is to make people laugh. The best place to look for movies containing absolutely no social commentary is to look for directorial team Peter and Bob Farrelly. These two consistently formulate their own distinctive brand of entertainment with the help of sophomoric jokes involving all types of bodily fluids and painful genital injuries. This weekend do yourself a favor. Pick up one of these fine features to lift your spirits.
Me, Myself and Irene
Starring Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger, this film follows Officer Charlie Baileygates (Carrey) as he struggles with his schizo alter ego Hank Evans (Carrey). Other than “Ace Ventura” this comedy is Carrey’s best. Zellweger holds her own in the supporting role, but really doesn’t leave much of a mark on the film as a whole. Anthony Anderson, Mongo Brownlee and Jerod Mixon as Charlie’s sons Jamaal Baileygates, Lee Harvey and Shonte Jr. are hilarious and have perfect chemistry with Carrey and each other.
Charlie is a Rhode Island state trooper who is mild-mannered and nonconfrontational until he is pushed a little too far. That’s when Hank takes over, often at the most inopportune times. The storyline and plot are flimsy but the stupid humor makes up for it in the long run. That’s why this movie was made by the Farrelly brothers, not the Coen brothers.
Outside Providence
Alec Baldwin is always at his best doing comedy. The episodes of “Saturday Night Live” that he has hosted have some great characters (including Pete Schweddy and his “Schweddy” balls). Set in 1974 Pawtucket, Conn., “Outside Providence” is about Tim Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy), a teenage slacker and stoner who is part of a dysfunctional lower-class family. The clan includes his widowed, ill-tempered father (Baldwin), his wheelchair-bound younger brother and their one-eyed, three-legged dog. This movie tries for a more dramatic approach in some places and doesn’t completely succeed but makes up for it with its jokes.
Kingpin
The main reason to watch and love this movie is its low visual comedy. With comb-overs, prosthetics and nasty female facial hair this film has the best sight gags of any Farrelly bothers creation, excluding Ben Stiller’s balls in “There’s Something About Mary.”
The story is about Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson), a young bowler who was robbed of his bowling hand and his big chance by his rival Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray). After years of hard luck and no prospects, Roy stumbles upon an Amish lad named Ish (Dennis Quaid) who can bowl like nobody’s business. He takes it upon himself to coach this savant for a big win at the championships in Vegas. Vanessa Marcell plays the pretty girl, but the movie is really about Roy and Ish.
This weekend take a break from the tragedy and try to have a little fun with these three comedies. Spend time laughing and remember to love each other.
