Classic Write-Up: Dumb And Dumber Review

Jim Carrey may have lost some of his luster in recent years, but to say he was a comedic titan in the 90's is a gross understatement. The man churned out hit after hit that engrossed audiences. Of his features from this era, I've only seen The Mask, but that finally changed when I caught Dumb and Dumber on Netflix. Perhaps his most famous film (though not his highest grossing), this Farrelly Brothers feature puts Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniel as a dim witted duo on a road trip to Aspen.

The plot is constructed in a simple manner in order to ensure as many scenes of gags and dumbness make it to the screen as possible. Unfortunately, many of these gags failed to get a laugh from me, mainly because several of the pairs jokes rely on lazy humor related to bodily functions. These scenarios revolving around urine and farts have such a prominent placement in the film that they soon become more tiring than humorous, though they're not quite as exhausting as the films knack for convoying "jokes" centering around having Harry (Jim Carrey) and Lloyd (Jeff Daniels) yell at each other relentlessly.

However, the feature does have a script (The Farrelly Brothers make up two of the three writers of the movie) that has several funny lines that have become iconic since the films release. I do see why these bits would be fun to quote, especially when they're heightened by Carry and Daniels delivery that combines confidence and naivete in a hilarious fashion. It's nice to have those successful moments of humor from the two, since their pairing as a whole feels lacking. I'd chalk that up primarily due to the fact that film doesn't give a lot of compelling or entertaining moments for Harry and Loyd that makes their friendship engaging. Any time potential conflict between the two crops up, the lack of development between the duo makes any kind of skirmish lose its impact, and the same goes for several moments of comedy courtesy of the films central two characters.

It doesn't help that both of them come off as more creepy than endearing in their shenanigans. The central conceit of the film (involving a dude tracking down a woman, who in his own words, he "wants to bone") adds a disturbing layer to the story that derails many attempts at levity. The Farrelly Brothers at least keep the movie short, and do concoct an engaging climax in a hotel room that finishes with one of the films funniest moments courtesy of Jeff Daniels.

Dumb And Dumber feels like a game of cinematic tug-of-war, with amusing moments being pulled back by scenes of excruciatingly unfunny material. Daniels and Carry manage to have some amusing moments, and like I said, some one-liners in here are great, just perfect for quoting after the film is done. But one should look elsewhere if they seek out a truly funny buddy comedy. Might I suggest The Other Guys instead? Michael Keaton unwittingly quoting TLC songs alone is more amusing than most, if not all, of the gags in Dumb And Dumber.