Seeing a movie by the Farrelly Brothers is generally a hit or miss proposition. Some of their films, like “There’s Something About Mary” are so funny as to induce laughter almost to the point of hysterics, while others merely offer up an occasional chuckle. I find even their lesser films to be worth a watch for two simple reasons. First, there is no joke to lowbrow to include. For example, seeing Woody Harrelson take a drink right after milking a cow, only to learn it was a bull seconds later nearly caused me to throw up from a combination of laughter and revulsion. The other thing I respect about the Farrellys is that they are as anti-PC as you can possibly get. Most of their films deal with characters with all sorts of infirmities. In any given film, they poke fun at stutterers, handicapped people, and overweight people. And I’m not talking about subtle in-jokes, I mean in-your-face, over-the-top jokes. “Stuck on You” deals with yet another ‘handicap’ if you will. What would life be like for Siamese Twins you might wonder? Or should I say ‘Cojoined’ Twins in an attempt to be a little more PC myself? I’ll go with the former.

Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear star as Siamese Twins, who attempt to go through life as though they are as ordinary as the next guy. All the stereotypical jokes are in place, most notably in the fact that their personalities are so incredibly diverse. Walt (Kinnear) is the outgoing one, who has to deal with tag-a-along brother Bob (Damon), the meek and quiet one. Walt thinks that they can do anything they put their minds to, well… his mind anyway. Bob knows everything will end in disaster. What’s interesting in this movie is the revelation of who is right.

I love the fact that Kinnear and Damon, who have come a long way to build their careers were willing to work with the Farrellys in film that revels in silliness and such lowbrow humor. I’m sure sitting through the makeup process alone had to be an ordeal, but it was obvious they did it for the sheer fun of making a movie. It had to be like play time after some of the more serious work they’ve done lately.

I’m always surprised when other big name actors show up in their films, more than willing to poke fun at themselves. In “Stuck on You” we find Cher (as herself) in bed with Frankie Muniz (as himself), which is really only funny in the fact that relates to Cher’s penchant for younger men.

The new DVD release has quite a few funny extras for those who are in the Farrelly Fan Club. The audio commentary by the Brothers is fairly interesting, but surprisingly not as funny as I’ve heard them be before. It’s worth a listen, but don’t expect to shoot popcorn out your nose from laughter. There are also several deleted and extended scenes that unlike in most DVD releases are actually not a waste of time. The Blooper Reel is the one feature I most recommend, though. There are some great quick bits that are every bit as funny, if not funnier than what is in the movie itself. Finally, there is a three part feature that focuses on the making of not only “Stuck on You”, but the making of Farrelly Brothers films in general. Again, these are actually quite funny in and of themselves as it’s obvious that not everything you see can be taken seriously.

I know there is a built-in audience for Farrelly Brother movies that is sure to enjoy “Stuck on You.” But I also realize there are those who ride the fence and only like certain films. This one isn’t the best the Farrellys have to offer, but it is certainly far from the worst. The humor hits all levels of taste, both good and bad, and even serves up a couple of cringe-inducing scenes for good measure. For those of you who have families and are looking for a squeaky clean movie that is fun for the whole family… I strongly suggest you look elsewhere.

Directed by: Bobby Farrelly & Peter Farrelly
Starring: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Eva Mendes, Seymour Cassel, Cher
Extras: Audio Commentary by the Farrelly Brothers, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Blooper Reel, 3 Behind the Scenes Featurettes, Theatrical Teasers and Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 2/27/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Crude and Sexual Humor and Some Language)
Website

We'll give Stuck On You a B.