Steve Pulaski
In the nineties, the Farrelly Brothers were dominating the comedy/drama genres with their energetic, screwball scenarios for their quirky, genial subjects to fall into. From the charming goofiness of There's Something About Mary to their passably dopey Dumb and Dumber, the Farrelly's seemed to pitch every possible idea to Miramax and they willingly committed to making it happen. The directors were the studio's biggest moneymaker, so as a result, we got all different kinds of films from the directors, good and bad.And after watching both of the previously mentioned efforts and was met with marginal satisfaction, my idea to venture into the Farrelly's lesser-known film Outside Providence, which was critically underwhelming and financially disastrous compared to the previous films. The film is simple, good-natured, and an easy watch, but at no point does this become more than a methodical tip-toe through the woods of clichés.Our main character is Timothy "Dildo" Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy), an underachieving high school senior with a strict father (Alec Baldwin) and a handicapped brother (Tommy Bone) he treats like a regular person to avoid showing any resemblance of superiority or difference towards him. The small family resides in Pawtucket, Road Island, and after Timothy and friends crash into a parked police car with marijuana on their person, his father tires from his blatant incompetence and sends him to Cornwall Academy, a strict prep school in Connecticut.Upon arriving, Timothy is placed in the lower-level classes and is mocked, tormented, and left a social pariah with the other more advanced men of the school. He quickly becomes acquainted with Amy Smart's Jane Weston, an attractive blonde girl he believes is the nicest, prettiest one there. At the same time, while being harassed by a number of the kids, Timothy finds that Cornwall's dorm master, Mr. Funderburk (Timothy Crowe), is out to get him and continues to devise plans to avoid him or even pull the occasional prank or two.The film was based on a book written by Peter Farrelly a year before, with Farrelly stating the film is a marginally fictionalized account of his real experiences at a prep school in Connecticut. I could already assume that the film is pretty fictional, because I would expect quirkier, more unique experiences from one of the most famous comedy directors in the business.Shawn Hatosy gives us a kind-hearted, but overall, bland character to deal with, proving that he has the charisma and screen presence but not the proper material to sustain a ninety-five minute excursion. The most admirably compelling performance in the film is that of Alec Baldwin's whose cut throat, east-coast attitude is somewhat out of place but not the less welcoming in a film filled dead-end material.Ultimately, the highest regard I can pay to Outside Providence is its wonderful use of seventies songs, all of which easily recognizable and wonderfully engaging. From "All Right Now" to "Free Bird," and don't forget the little nuanced things like a copy of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the Farrelly brothers and co-writer, Michael Corrente, clearly recall the seventies with vivid clarity. And to be fair, as competent, basic entertainment, Outside Providence maybe just what some are looking for. It's a rather quick comedy, over in the blink of an eye, and you're left to either praise it for its simplicity or bash it for the same reason. For the comedy genre, it won't be the straw that breaks the camel's back. For the Farrelly's, it may have gotten Miramax to wake up.Starring: Shawn Hatosy, Alec Baldwin, Amy Smart, Timothy Crowe, and Tommy Bone. Directed by: Michael Corrente.
Enchorde
Recap: Tim Dunphy grows up in Pawtucket. His brother is in a wheelchair, his father raising them alone and struggling to get by. There isn't much to do but drink and smoke pot. But after driving, both drunk and stoned, and crashing at full speed into a parked police car, his life is about to change. But not in the way he thinks. Due to some odd connections, instead of getting jail, he get sent to a posh prep school. There he got to fight for his place and identity, and fight against the sadistic student master Funderburk. And then there is a girl.Comments: An average and pretty standard growing up story with most of the clichés about growing up. The struggle to find one's identity and path in life. You got the struggling youth in a struggling home, drinking and smoking, who then due some hardships learns to take responsibility and set a path for himself. And of course meets a girl. Nothing new.A movie written by the Farrely brothers and director Corrente this should not be confused with comedies like Dumb & Dumber or There's something about Mary. Outside Providence is quirky and delivers a fun remark now and then, but not at all in line with movies more thought of when you hear that the Farrelys has been involved. Outside Providence is much more a drama with a romantic flair and some comedy spice.A lot of known actors appear, mostly in small supporting roles, while the story is more focused on young more unknown actors. The exception being Amy Smart that of course is the romantic interest. A solid performance from her once again, it is still a puzzle for me why she hasn't made it bigger than she has. As far as I can tell she both got the looks and the talent.Not a movie to remember, and not a movie I would recommend. Not that it is bad, because it certainly isn't. But because there are others that are much better in each comparable genre.5/10
Alan Zoller
This is a very good coming-of-age story with solid acting, plenty of humorous takes on the 1970's, and an excellent story arc. However, even if it wasn't, the luminous beauty of Amy Smart would make it worth watching!
thujone
Maybe some reviewers here have been put off by the fact that it's a mingling of different genres (romance/comedy). But I think the movie is vastly entertaining and satisfying. There's more substance to this movie than there is to others of a similar vein -- "Detroit Rock City" or "Almost Famous" or "Dazed and Confused." You're not supposed to cry and you're not supposed to split your sides laughing, but you are supposed to enjoy it, and that I did. Plus, Alec Baldwin is truly excellent in his role as a gruff, blue-collar dad.
