Review of Funny Farm (1988) by Doctor S — 07 Jun 2011

Seems there is a lot of division over this one, but for me the answer is clear: this is Chevy's 4th best comedy behind Vacation, Fletch, and Christmas Vacation. (Yes, better than Spies Like Us, Caddyshack, and Three Amigos!) Take a look at that list and let's pause for a moment in remembrance at what a comic giant he was in the 1980s, rivaled only by Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy for supremacy during the Reagan Years.

This could have reached #3 if not for the change in direction during the final quarter with fewer gags and a focus on the deteriorating relationship with his wife Madolyn Smith (who gives a fine performance.) This section still works for me since the feelings are earnest but does affect the mood. Until then, there are a ton of great gags: the movers, the snake, the ducks, asking for directions, the softball game, the fishing competition, the crazy mailman, the coffin, the operators, the runaway dog simply called "Dog" because they hadn't had time to give him a name, and the sheriff who never passed the driving exam and rides in a taxi! Stupid title, funny movie.