Stuck on You Review
by John Ulmer (johnulmer2003 AT msn DOT com)April 8th, 2004
STUCK ON YOU (2003)
Rating: 3/5 stars (Fresh)
REVIEW BY JOHN ULMER (Copyright, 2004)
"Stuck On You" is the newest comedy from the Farrelly Brothers, whose irreverent humor has brought us some of the most daring and uproarious films of the decade. Yet although the Farrellys are known for their crazy, rude, slapstick humor by both their fans and enemies, "Stuck On You" is more of a subtle comedy than anything - which is extremely surprising given the directors' history. I think a lot of people will leave this movie holding a different perspective towards the Farrellys. But that's not to say the film doesn't have its flaws, as they come in great numbers. The story is just offbeat and entertaining enough to garner it a recommendation, if only a slight one.
It's a tale of two conjoined twins and their journey to California to make it big in showbusiness. The aspiring actor, Walt (Greg Kinnear), is the brother who wants a career in tinsel town. His twin, Bob (Matt Damon), is joined with Walt at the waistline, nine inches across, which makes it difficult for them to do anything at all on their own. "How hard is it when you both have to go to the bathroom at the same time?" someone asks them. "It's usually harder when only one of us has to go," Walt replies.
After leaving their hometown of Massachusetts, where they flip burgers at a local restaurant in 180 seconds flat, the duo head for the slums of Hollywood, soon finding a nice apartment to stay at whilst they find an agent. Love blossoms when Bob finally meets up with a three-year Internet contact, a pretty Asian woman, who is very happy to meet Bob, and vice versa. The problem is that he has not told her about his "condition," which presents both he and Walt with a huge problem.
"Stuck On You" is a film unlike any other I have ever seen. The morning after, as I type a review, I wonder to myself: Did I *really* just see that? It's so strange and unusual and unique that it almost seems like a dream. The same thing happened with "Shallow Hal," an unfortunately lesser movie, which was nevertheless very different from any other comedy I had ever seen. Whereas the Farrellys somewhat poked fun at stereotypes and packed their movies with slapstick humor, their latest two efforts have been more bizarre, packed with strange ideas and very unusual heroes. If anything, you have to give the brothers some credit for achieving pure originality. This is one of the most bizarre comedies I've ever seen. Too bad it's not very funny.
I think that's the point. What "Stuck On You" lacks in laughs it makes up for in heart - this is a surprisingly kind and sweet-natured film, which tells us all that you aren't what life makes out of you. It's the complete opposite. Its heroes know this, and this is the sort of film that makes you re-examine your own position in life and realize just how appreciative you should be of everything. It's no masterpiece, but I think it was intentional that for the first time in the history of their directing careers, the brothers Farrelly decided to end their comedy without a final punchline. It's a Farrelly Brothers movie, all right, but it's a clear sign that they might actually have a bit of brains, and respect for life, that wasn't necessary in their other movies but actually feels quite welcome here.
- John Ulmer
http://www.wiredonmovies.com
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