THE THREE STOOGES: A FITTING TRIBUTE

One thing is certain when it comes to the Three Stooges: you either get them or you don't. Those that don't never find the humor that comes from their antics. Those that do are die hard fans who love each and every slap and eye poke. These were the comedies that fueled not just one generation but several. Their short films played in theaters across the country only to later on become a daily staple for the TV generation. But their popularity waned and their recognition factor dropped. All that is about to change with the release of this new film.

The Farrelly brothers, the comedic team behind DUMB AND DUMBER, THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and SHALLOW HAL, are major fans of the original Three Stooges. What they've done is attempt to recreate the stooges original form of comedy for a new generation with three new actors in the roles made famous by Moe, Larry and Curly. They succeed on all levels.

The story revolves around three babies dropped off at a Catholic orphanage. As the boys grow they unwittingly terrorize the nuns that run the place. Their antics continually get them into trouble and since they tend to run together they never find a home. When Moe is about to be adopted, he tells his new parents that the best thing would be if they took all three boys. Rather than do that, they take him back and adopt a single child.

As the three grow older they remain at the orphanage, helping out on the property and doing their best to keep things running smoothly. Then again these are the three stooges and anything they touch rarely runs smooth.

The day comes when the church decides they can no longer fund the orphanage. The children are to be slit up into foster care and the nuns placed elsewhere. The boys can't let that happen and go off in search of fame and fortune so that they can save the day. Ill prepared for the world the sisters trust them to at least give it their best shot.

As with the classic stooges' comedies, the three rarely have a clue what is actually going on around them. Seeing them seeking work Lydia (Sofia Vergara) hires them to kill her husband in his sleep explaining he wants to do peacefully. Thinking Mac (Craig Berko), the man with her, is her husband, they accidentally toss him about and land him in the hospital where they try to finish the job. This leads to a hilarious squirt fight using peeing babies in the maternity ward.

Eventually the boys meet an old friend from the orphanage named Teddy. Teddy was the boy adopted over Moe. Now a wealthy lawyer, he tells the boys to get in touch with him. As fate would have it, we later find out that Teddy is the husband of Lydia that she wants taken out. Before we get that far the boys have a falling out and Moe sets out on his own only to wind up in the reality series JERSEY SHORE where he slaps the cast of that show like his brothers. Oh how we wish that were true.

As the plot threads come together the comedy stays with the whole idea until the problems of each character are solved. The film moves along at a brisk pace and the comedy of the situation is mixed well with the slapstick physical comedy that was what the stooges were noted for.

The acting fits the tone and tribute exceptionally well. Chris Diamantopoulos does a great job as Moe, not just in looks but in attitude. Sean Hayes not only looks the part of Larry but sounds just like him as well (his bit with a lobster is hilarious). Will Sasso has always impersonated Curly and he morphs himself into the role with ease here.

The Farrelly brothers have captured the essence of the Stooges and brought them back to life on the big screen once more. Fans will be pleased with the outcome of this film which is not only enjoyable on its own merits but makes you long for the original Stooges films as well. That will be one of the biggest benefits of this film, bringing the originals to the attention of yet another generation. If you never loved the Stooges then you will probably get little from this film. If you did love them, you'll appreciate the tribute paid here. Either way if you're looking for comedy with little depth and plenty of laughs, then make sure you rent this one.

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