The Farrelly Brothers have made some outrageously funny movies (“Dumb and Dumber,” “There’s Something About Mary”) as well as some outrageously bad movies (“Shallow Hal,” “Me, Myself and Irene”). Their latest offering, “Stuck on You,” manages to fall in between the two extremes as a largely hilarious film that nonetheless loses much of its comedic edge as soon as its gimmick wears thin.
Bob (Matt Damon) and Walt Tenor (Greg Kinnear) are twin brothers conjoined at the hip, a strange sight for most people but not to those who have grown up with them and witnessed their many talents. Bob is shy and subdued when compared to his smooth-talking brother Walt, but both work as cooks at the local Quickie Burger while Walt also acts in small theater productions on the side. (Bob stands behind him during his performances, sweating and stricken with acute stage fright.)
After another successful theater production, Walt convinces Bob to go to Hollywood to pursue his big-time acting dreams where they meet a ditzy, aspiring actress (Eva Mendes) and Bob’s three-year internet buddy, May (spicy newcomer Wen Yann Shih). After a run-in with an infuriated Cher (playing herself), Walt is offered a starring role in a new television series in the hopes that his unusual appearance will cause the cancellation of the series and thus free Cher from her contract. Surprisingly, though, the show becomes a success, which forces both Walt and Bob to contemplate getting separated through a risky operation that would allow each of them to rule their own respective lives.
“Stuck on You” isn’t perfect in any way, but it has many good moments that make it worth seeing. Both Damon and Kinnear shine as the two brothers and the sappy comedy doesn’t feel as out of place as it should. There are plenty of laughs to go around, but the story also has a soft spot that manages to save the film in the end. Unfortunately, after 30 minutes of repetitious situations that flaunt the brothers’ oddity, “Stuck on You” plunges into failed jokes and unneeded drama that only delay the ending.
The Farrellys aren’t perfect, but it’s obvious that they embrace each and every idea with a brave confidence that gives the film loads of appeal. Their relentless audacity for the eccentric rivals the Coen Brothers’ own comedic brilliance by choosing slapstick over irony, and it usually pays off.
3 / 5 Stars
Starring: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Eva Mendes, Cher, Wen Yann Shih
Director: Farrelly Brothers
