I’d love to report that the appearance of Larry David as a nun is worth the price of admission to the Farrelly Brothers take on the knuckled headed nitwits born of depression era vaudeville, THE THREE STOOGES.

Unfortunately, and as much as his screen time is enjoyable, it is not enough to save this misconceived misstep in muddle headed numbskullism. His casting and the idea that Moe could be a reality TV show star are the only truly inspired aspects of this hamstrung, ham-fisted homage to the unholy trinity of slapstick saints.

It was evident from their cinema debut, DUMB AND DUMBER, that the Farrelly’s were inspired by the likes of Moe, Larry and Curly and seemed the likely candidates to bring these comic icons into the 21st century. The problem is that they are icons, indelibly etched into a generation’s psyche and readily available on You Tube.

Impersonations and recreations just don’t cut the comedy mustard and the puns are punishing. Sean Hayes as Larry, Will Sasso as Curly, and Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe are valiant in their impressions but the material is so musty airing it doesn’t help freshen this hackneyed mess.Told in three stages of the stooges development, er evolution, er, wiseguy!

Not as good as the classic originals nor the Farrellys at their best, in my opinion, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY is their zenith, THE THREE STOOGES is best left to undiscriminating tots these school holidays, especially those who like lashings and lashings of red cordial, thumb their noses at gluten free menus and enjoy a good eye poke and scrotum strangling.

Stay to the end to see a studio disclaimer to fend off liable litigation on behalf of little children. Autism, Asperger and Alzheimer sufferers may well be the target audience.

© Richard Cotter

3rd July, 2012

Tags; Sydney Movie Reviews- THE THREE STOOGES, Farrelly Brothers, Sydney Arts Guide, Richard Cotter