DUMB AND DUMBER TO Review

I was seven years-old the year the original Dumb and Dumber came out and as the oldest child was never privily to anything an older sibling might expose me too. That said, I never became attached to the original in a fashion that would conjure up nostalgic memories when catching it on cable or even when seeing the trailers earlier this summer for the long-delayed sequel. On the other hand, my wife who was six years-old when the original came out with a sixteen year-old brother and fourteen year-old sister looks at the first film as a comedy classic, as one that defines her adolescent years and one she can quote from back to front. That said as well, she wasn't very much looking forward to the unnecessary sequel as the original was probably a film best left alone. In the end, as someone who had no real emotional attachment to these characters I pretty much had the same reaction as the wife; it was a comedy, it was fine enough though nothing resembling great and it's unlikely it will deliver as much joy on repeat viewings (if it even gets that chance) as the original. Had the film been made closer to the original it might have worked, Jim Carrey might have delivered a duo of films on par with his Ace Ventura adventures, but at this point the attempt to capitalize on his past hits just feels desperate. This, on top of the fact of how old these guys look in their get-ups is just depressing. As much as people think critics (and I hesitate to call myself that as I'm simply an online movie blogger) love to rag on comedies I have said countless times on this site how much I love the subjective nature and the talented people it takes to bring these types of movies to life especially when they are able to leave a lasting impression. Even though I have nothing to do with the creative process or production, when I initially like a comedy that generally received bad reviews and eventually becomes something of a favorite to audiences I pride myself on that and feel a part of a bigger community, a community with a shared sense of humor. Unfortunately, a feeling of such insight didn't come to mind when watching Dumb and Dumber To, but rather the thought of how cruel time can be and how punishing the industry can be, especially on a funny man looking for a laugh.

First Trailer for DUMB AND DUMBER TO

The Farrelly Brothers ran out of steam a long time ago commercially, but to be honest I've rather enjoyed their output as of late. The Heartbreak Kid and Hall Pass (not great by any means, but serviceable R-rated comedies that play up their premises) as well as The Three Stooges which feels like a movie everyone secretly liked, but no one wants to admit to were all fine if not cultural mainstays. In the wake of these consistent box office disappointments the brothers have retreated to their original feature smash and have crafted a twenty year-later sequel that looks to be as dumb and ridiculous as the original. Honestly, there was little hope that this being any good especially given the unreal expectations that time and nostalgia have built up. Jeff Daniels has since become a much serious actor while Jim Carrey hasn't had a genuine hit since Bruce Almighty over ten years ago (Yes Man more than returned on its budget, but it wasn't the Carrey resurgence most expected). The initial reaction to this first trailer though is surprisingly positive in that the two leads seem to be having a ton of fun with the opportunity to portray these two iconic characters again and are all in for whatever the Farrelly's asked of them. There are plenty of laughs throughout the trailer and I especially enjoyed how they basically say nothing has happened in the twenty years since the original besides Lloyd playing an elaborate prank on Harry. It strikes the perfect kind of balance that says we know where we're at in this point of the actors lives (both who are now in their 50's) and that this is going to be just as absurd as we would hope for. Dumb and Dumber To also stars Laurie Holden, Rob Riggle, Kathleen Turner, Rachel Melvin, Cam Neely, Brady Bluhm and opens November 14.