To be fair, there are a few mild laughs to be had in this film, mostly due to decent performances from the side characters and a very twisted plot, courtesy Donald E Westlake's novel. Lawrence hams his way through the role shamelessly, trying far too hard to make each scene zany fun and failing miserably every time. Director Weisman seems unsure of himself as well--is this clever Ruthless People-style humour, good-hearted anarchy, or goofy Farrelly Bros vulgarity? Since he never decides, the resulting film isn't any of the above. It's nothing at all. Not funny. Not remotely satirical (it never even tries to touch on the themes of machismo or aggression). Not romantic. Nothing. Even so, it's breezy enough to avoid being the 'worst' film I've seen recently. But only just.

themes, language, vulgarity

13.Feb.02