Stuck on You Movie Review

Delicately splicing sentiment with sharp wit, Stuck On You follows the eclectic adventures of Walt (Greg Kinnear) and Bob (Matt Damon), conjoined brothers who are extremely distinct personalities. One wants to flip burgers in his hometown restaurant, while the other wants to take a shot at Hollywood after performing in community theater for a decade. With the inspired gusto that comes from refusing to let any challenge overtake you, the linked pair head out to Studioland so that Walt can at least take a shot at the big time before he looks too old to do so – as Bob was born with most of their liver, Walt’s growth seems to physically surpass his.

While that’s an easy excuse (and not the only contrivance) to get over the first aesthetics presented of the lead characters, Stuck On You intelligently concentrates on the relationship of the brothers throughout. Though multiple plot coincidences might be thrown in their path, their interaction is rewarding to watch as they progress through a parody of stardom due to their unique situation. No matter which of their needs the other is helping to fulfill, there is a basic, innate sense that the other half is just as important without overwhelming you with cheap, sentimental dialogue. When Walt’s career is taking center focus, the quiet maturity of Bob’s responses and questions is given just as much time to resonate.

There is a wonderful charisma to each of the characters that makes them enjoyable to watch apart from the sight gags of seeing two guys having to maneuver together out of necessity, though their barroom brawl is highly amusing. Damon’s shy Bob is truly endearing, and it’s hard to believe that this is the same heroic Damon from The Bourne Identity or the walking pal in Gerry. The juxtapositions of his resistance to the change in scenery with his encouraging sarcasm when Walt thinks of giving up are genuinely touching. Kinnear never fails to impress either. His instantly outgoing charm provides plenty of reason that he could get laid while his brother sits on the floor with his notebook computer. They play off each other, physically and conversationally, with perfect pitch.

Miraculously, the parodies never get stale, even the diva antics of “has been” Cher, who hilariously turns from spoiled Oscar winner to sage advice guru about going after what you love. From the first chuckle of sympathizing with fellow wannabe actor April (Eva Mendes) to the appearance of the agent who lives in the past, the jokes may be old but still produce laughter with good comedic timing from all.

Those expecting the annoying and regurgitated humor of Dumb and Dumber will be happily surprised with this new Farrelly brothers film. Though not ones to shy away from allowing men to show emotion with one another in a movie, with Stuck On You the humor is well grounded within the events and character reactions, which are consistently fresh and entertaining. Its heart, humor, and energy sustain its fable qualities and more than compensate the weaknesses of what has to be done for the sake of moving the story forward.

The Stuck on You DVD includes commentary from the Farrelly brothers, copious deleted scenes and a gag reel, and a handful of making-of featurettes, including a rather insightful piece on how the duo were harnessed together.

Batter up!