| Release:06/23/00-(R)-(1:47)-[20th CENTURY FOX]-JIM CARREY, RENEE ZELLWEGER, CHRIS COOPER, ROBERT FORSTER, and RICHARD JENKINS: There really isn't a great deal that is very new about this film. It isn't as though it is boring or predictable, that would hardly be a possibility with the antics of the spastic Carrey running throughout. It is, however, a film that is relying on its shock values, the gross-out jokes that have worked for the Farrelly Brothers in past work (especially "There's Something About Mary"). There are funny moments and moments that you just can't believe that they are doing what they are doing, but for the most part "Me, Myself, & Irene" is simply not all that special. Carrey is a Rhode Island motorcycle cop that has married and has triplets with his lovely young wife. The problem is that the wife had the kids with another man, made obvious by the fact that the children are black and Carrey, of course, is not. When his wife takes off with this other man, a black dwarf who drives a limo and is a member of Mensa, Charlie (Carrey) begins holding in all his emotions and ability to confront anyone. Years later it is that holding back that creates Charlie's other personality Hank, a brash and rude, almost evil split personality that is lashing out at everyone and everything as if making up for lost time. Enter the pretty Irene (Zellweger), who is arrested and in need of being hauled back to a town upstate in NY where she is being charged with something she hasn't done because of the underhanded dealings of an old boyfriend who, with his bosses at the EPA, are afraid that she knows too much. Charlie escorts her back to this little town and the fun and antics begin. From this point out it is purely a film based on gross out jokes and the rubbery moves of Carrey as he flips from the personality of Charlie to Hank and then back again. Irene, of course, falls in love with the sweet and unassuming Charlie and has to contend with the loud, obnoxious, and abrasive Hank to finally get to him. Chases, near misses and shoot-outs occur and finally there is Charlie's ability to win out over the personality of Hank and, with the help of his three grown (black) sons, foils the bad guys, gets the promotion and marries the girl. Whoops, I gave away the ending...were you surprised? Jim Carrey fans this is right up your alley. Farrelly Brother fans, this is a noble attempt below the par of last year's Mary. It will do well for the gross out aspects, but will not be remembered as their best by any means. (C)
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