Review of Dumb and Dumber To (2014) by Jennika R — 20 Feb 2015

I remember seeing the first film in the theaters. I like most kids were huge fans of Jim Carrey. His comedies has been a huge part of our childhood. I notice there are a lot of Carrey's films that people feel don't hold up today. Dumb and Dumber is one of those films that some people feel that it doesn't really hold up to today's standards. I feel that the first film still holds up pretty well. Yes I'm aware that my nostalgia will blind the realization that this film is clearly a product of the 90's. However there is no denying that the film is a comedy classic. Dumb and Dumber is the type of slapstick, juvenile comedy that can appeal to all types of comedy fans; whether that be low or high brow.

I expected this film to disappoint me, which is why I was lucky that I only paid 5.50 a ticket. S/o to Cinemark. A sequel has always been in the talks for years. Unlike a sequel to Star Wars, Indiana Jones or even a long awaited sequel to Beverley hills cop. This film kinda came out during a time when we gave up on wanting this sequel to happen. Sure I'd say within 10 years of the release of the first film, the fans would've given top dollar to see the film. However a 20 year wait for a movie of this scope will not be highly anticipated as other big franchises.

From watching the sequel, I felt that the humor is forced and falls flat, sure there are a few laughs and smirks. Emphasis on the word Few. It's nice to see the two actors back, looking the same with a little aging. The sequel follows the same format as the first film. Instead of a brief case, the McGuffin is a mysterious box the two characters must give to a young girl. The young girl is suspected to be Harry's long lost daughter. While it follows a similar structure to the first film, the scenes feel like a series of vignettes or sketches. The first film at least had a connection to the next scene or was a setup for the next scene. The gags kinda fall flat in this film, the humor overall felt tired.

While watching the credits, it shows footage from the old film and the new one. The credits actually make you want to re watch the first film. After watching the credits you'll have a deep appreciation for the first film. The extra star is for the after credit sequence: Seabass, nuff said.

As previously mentioned some people speculate that the first film doesn't hold up to the comedies of today or that Nostalgia is the main reason that so many consider the first film to be a classic. However that is not the case. When the first film came out it had a wide appeal to immature and mature audiences. This film was also critically acclaimed back in 1994. So it's safe to say that this was one of the smartest dumb comedies ever made. Comedies take a great deal of time and expertise to make, the gags must work and the timing must be perfect. I could still watch the first film and laugh my ass off. Dumb and Dumber To, however feels like just an instant cash grab for the studios. Which explains why everything feels forced.