Review of Crazy on the Outside (2010) by Mete D — 20 May 2010

Crazy on the Outside marks the directorial debut of comedic actor Tim Allen, and is a great example of why Allen should just stick to acting. The story concerns Allen who has been released from prison after a 3-year stint.

He goes to live with sister Sigourney Weaver and her husband J.K. Simmons (the film's funniest person and sadly underused). While out, Allen aspires to resurrect his father's once popular paint company but is forced to work at a crappy fast food joint as per the demands of his parole officer (Jeanne Tripplehorn), whom he starts to bond with along with her son.

There's also the re-emergence of his one true love Julie Bowen, who he thought was dead, but has moved on with rich fiance Kelsey Grammar. AND THEN, there's also Allen's former partner in crime Ray Liotta, who runs an illegal movie pirating empire and is begging Allen to come back to that world.

AND THEN THEN, Allen manages to build up the painting business slowly on his spare time, with his new lovable ex-con employees as they all try to gain everyone's trust, that is, until something gets stolen.

As you can clearly see, there are WAAAY too many things going on in this film, which makes it seem all over the place and disoriented. You could've cut 3 or 4 of the many sub-storylines in this, as well as 3 or 4 unnecessary characters and that would have greatly helped out this movie.

You would also think that a film with this much talent in it would be destined for more than just direct-to-DVD poppycock, but once you watch this unfunny and unamusing lackluster, you'll see why.

It's a shame really, because I was really pulling for this one.