SYNOPSIS: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in the sequel to the smash hit that took the physical comedy and kicked it in the nuts: Dumb and Dumber To. The original film's directors, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, take Lloyd and Harry on a road trip to find a child Harry never knew he had and the responsibility neither should ever, ever be given. 

REVIEW: I do believe there is such a thing as a clever dumb movie as in the case of 1994’s Dumb & Dumber - part one. However, with this latest effort the Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary, 1998) do not seem to aspire to anything but more of the “dumb” as its sole focus with no “clever.” So here's a flick that many, including myself, have been anticipating for some time. I’m certain many of the like-minded whom are happy to hear about this sequel being made 20 years after the original Dumb and Dumber hit theaters, are expecting an over-the-top presentation, but what a let-down to be had here. There is a plot, a loose assemblage of familiar junk tropes: mistaken identity, a question of paternity, life-threatening illness, a breakup followed by a make-up. Kathleen Turner (Marley & Me, 2008), Laurie Holden (The walking Dead, TV series) and Rob Riggle (Let's Be Cops, 2014) turn up in supporting roles.

One does not go into a movie like this expecting great substance. However, it would be normal to go into it expecting big laughs. All comedies should ultimately be judged on how funny they are, and this entire flick felt like a re-hash of sorts. We all know how funny a joke is when heard for the second time (Not so funny the second time around). In my opinion, the biggest sin of reuniting with our old friends Harry and Lloyd is that the laughs are not as hot and heavy and are few and far between. All comedies should ultimately be judged on how funny they are, and this entire film felt like a drawn out Comedy Central skit. Peter Farrelly sold it as “…If you liked ‘Dumb and Dumber’ you’ll probably like this…,” but that’s the problem – If you didn’t like it, then it’s 110 minutes of your life that you’ll never get back. Sadly, this one falls in the category of a sad dumb movie, a movie that will make you regret ever wishing for its existence.

To its credit, Dumb and Dumber To does feature a pretty cool scene in which Jim Carrey’s character “Lloyd” grotesquely devours a hot dog as only Jim Carrey could -- the kinda off-the-rails weird fanfare that slap-stick comedies often lack. Also, It doesn’t straight-up try to replicate every joke , although there are a number of rehashes from the original, like the line “Wanna hear the second-most annoying sound in the world?” amongst a few others. But it goes alone with the same level of “stupid” brought about by the predecessor. 

Overall, all is not lost here. Though your enjoyment will be directly proportionate to the level of reverence you have for the original. The key is here is Carrey, who works best as the agent of derangement, twisting his body, contorting his face, being the cast’s catalyst. He isn’t as potent as he was in 1994, but he’s still pretty entertaining, for the most part. Lloyd is a little bit meaner now with Carrey appearing to be a bit mellower. This is unfortunately a two and a half out of five star movie that is best viewed with a bunch of friends half-baked.  

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