You know, when I read that Peter and Bobby Farrelly were going to make a movie starring actors impersonating The Three Stooges, I was a little skeptical especially when the announced stars were people like Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. But they calmed down and instead cast actors like Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, and Chris Diamantopoulos who did fine in acting exactly like Larry, Curly, and Moe, respectively, when portraying the legendary comics. And while there's somewhat of a sentimental plot involving some orphan kids, it never goes in treacly territory as there's always some wonderfully staged slapstick scenes that undercuts that. Oh, and there's also some hilarious scenes involving the cast of "Jersey Shore". In summary, this version of The Three Stooges is highly recommended for anyone not minding seeing this legendary comedy team played by other actors or anyone who haven't even heard of them yet and wants to see more of them.

Although I have possibly reviewed more films from the Criterion Collection and PBS than any other person on IMDb, I am not such a fathead that I can't let myself watch some less than intellectual fare. And it certainly doesn't get any less intellectual than "The Three Stooges"--a surprisingly good film provided you have realistic expectations. I say realistic because you CAN'T expect a film like this to be Shakespeare! And here is the rub...I really liked it! Seriously. While I would never recommend you go to the theater to watch it or even buy the film, it's well worth renting or seeing when it comes to cable TV.

One of the best things about this film is that the Farrelly Brothers tried hard to get the look and sound right in the film. I also REALLY appreciate that unlike many Farrelly Brother films, it's very family-friendly and you don't need to be embarrassed to have your kids see it. However, this does not mean that it's pablum. The film has a few dark (but funny) moments and a few PG rated remarks--as well as referring to one of the nuns as 'Sister Mary-Mengele' (who was played by a guy). Overall, this is a film that is not brilliant but is quite good for what it is--an ultra-silly film with low-brow humor that will make you laugh despite how low the humor is.

By the way, in addition to seeing the cast of Jersey Shore (and although I can't stand them, using them worked here),you get to see Isaiah Mustafa (the Old Spice Guy) and Emy Coligado (Piama from "Malcolm in the Middle") in small parts--which is kind of interesting to see. Also at the end is a VERY dull little message to kids telling him that all the stunts were fake and bonking people for real is dangerous and BAD. Just speed past this--it's really preachy....plus, it's just a bit of silly cartoon-like violence.

UPDATE: A couple months after I watched this, my wife watched it again with me and she laughed repeatedly. She felt ashamed of herself, but she definitely laughed!

Watching The Three Stooges movie for the new century I got the impression I was watching one giant tribute show, something along the lines of James Whitmore doing Harry Truman. Maybe Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, and Chris Diamantopoulos might do just that and take a live show on the road should this film prove successful.

As The Three Stooges back in the day did their work at Columbia Pictures I was wondering why Columbia instead of 20th Century Fox did this particular film. But who am I to complain as these ersatz caricatures did a reasonably good job at imitating the originals.

The Stooges start out as boys with three kids doing imitations of them, they were left as foundling babies at a Catholic orphanage. As they grow up they never leave the nest, Moe almost gets adopted but turns it down saying they're a package deal. Nobody wanted that particular package and they took an altogether different kid.

Evil times befall the orphanage and the Stooges go out into the world looking to raise $800,000.00+ to pull the orphanage from debt. On the way they save the life of the kid who was adopted in Moe's place and who has grown up to be Kirby Heyborne. Do you doubt the orphanage was saved in Stooge fashion of course. Some definite changes come into place there.

Special mention should go to Larry David who played the nun who was the special target, even inadvertently of Stooges mayhem. He steals every scene he's in with The Three Stooges.

Young audiences might appreciate this film, a chance to become acquainted with a true American institution. Hopefully they will check out the real deal as well.