For the record, I heartily dislike the Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin
type of movies.
But usually the people in the movies are so stupid or repugnant
that I just can't stand it. Not so, here, and that's the only
difference I can see. It's very rare for an entry in this movie
category. Ted and Mary are very sweet people. Hell, even the bad
guys are nice.
The hysterically funny scene with the zipper is made bearable by
the fact that all the people are sympathetic and as helpful as
you can imagine.
The plot, such as it is, is tied together beautifully. Expect
resolution on every issue.
Chris Elliot redeems himself. Dillon is a glorious sleazebag, Lee
Evans as the crippled, um, architect. Warren, the brother, was so
good I found myself wondering if he was truly autistic. All the
bit parts are great--Mary's parents, the shrink, the roommate,
the friends, the two detectives in the interrogation room.
Stiller continues to impress me--he must react and suffer and
love and masturbate and still be a believably nice guy. I hereby
declare Diaz to be my favorite blonde actress who knows how to
pick a part.
Also, prepare yourself for the finest performance ever delivered
by a Border Terrier. I lean towards the CPR scene with Matt
Dillon, but the hopped out on speed antics with Stiller and the
outcome is oh, so very close.
Only *one* review I've read has properly attributed the homage to
Cat Ballou. Don't ignore the drummer.
I laughed harder at this movie than any all year. Spawn
judiciously awarded it more points than Zorro. I was tempted to
demur, but I think he's less likely to be swayed by Banderas'
charms, so he's probably right.
I'm also proud to say that I didn't need Spawn to explain to me
why it was important that Mary was a Niners' fan.
