MOVIE REVIEW: Dumb And Dumber To

Director: Bobby & Peter Farrelly

Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Laurie Holden, and Kathleen Turner

Synopsis: Twenty years after their last adventure, and after Lloyd reveals his long-lasting prank, good-hearted, yet dimwitted best friends, Harry Dunne and Lloyd Christmas head out in search for Harry’s long lost daughter, and Lloyd is in love again, this time with Harry’s daughter.

 Movie Review:

Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures

It’s nearly impossible to imagine this December, the original Dumb and Dumber will turn 20-years old – a film that could easily define the early to mid-90s comedy genre. Countless individuals in their late 20s and early 30s look to the original Dumb and Dumber as a benchmark film for the cinematic quoting masses. Would it be possible that 20-year later, the goof could possibly withstand the test of time?

A lot has changed in the world of comedic performances in the 20-years since the original made its way onto the big screen. Although armed with only a meager $17-million dollar budget, $7-million of which went to Jim Carrey’s salary alone, the original film would garner a cult following that would evolve into a massive success earning close to $250-million at the box office.

Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures

The big question is whether or not a comedy classic from 20-years ago could hold water in 2014. Amidst the success of the original, the “franchise” would go on to produce an unmemorable animated series and prequel film – Both having nothing to do with the original creators, Bobby and Peter Farrelly. In trying to find something to fill the gap of the original film, the question has to be asked: Could Dumb and Dumber To live up to the original film?

The answer is a resounding yes. It doesn’t take long for the 2014 edition of Dumb and Dumber to leave the audience rolling in their seats. Prior to the film coming out, fans of the original had to ask themselves if the new film would simply be a rehashing of the original with the best scenes revealed in the trailers. Although the film is full of callbacks to the original, be it similar circumstances or notable jokes, the Farrelly brothers do an excellent job at keeping the new film fresh and downright hysterical.

Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures

The 20-year payoff and production roller coaster that surrounded the newest entry into the franchise is worth the wait. It’s not only true to the roots of the original; it does a great job at introducing the audience to a fresh adventure with Harry and Lloyd. While it’s easily argued that the first film is about Lloyd’s odyssey to find love, this go around is about Harry and his mission to find his long lost daughter.

The repeatability the first film held is also present in the sequel. While jam packed with Harry and Lloyd “dumbisms”, it’s difficult to catch them all the first go around – you’ll want to see it again. If you love the original but are on the fence in regards to whether or not the magic is still there, give Dumb and Dumber To a shot. If anything, you’ll get enjoyment out of once again seeing a pumpkin pie hair cutted freak and his best friend travel across the country in the most ridiculous fashion for the most ludicrous cause.

Dumb and Dumber To opens nationwide November 14, 2014.

 

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