Mix a three-legged dog, a kid in a wheelchair, a dysfunctional family, and a group of druggie friends together with a prep school, and you're bound to get some friction.

The Farrelly brothers latest movie Outside Providence, manages to mix all of the above together and include comedy and romance at the same time. Being billed as 'From the guys who made There's Something About Mary,' I went in expecting something similar, but I came out pleasantly surprised.

When Tim Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy) is shipped off to prep school after hitting a parked police car while high, he is in for the surprise of his life. At Cornwall Academy, there is no swearing, no sex, no drugs, no alcohol, and no fun allowed. As Tim tries to adjust, he meets Jane Weston (Amy Smart). He's told that she's out of his league, but that won't deter him - nothing is impossible. When hitching a ride back from Pawtucket, he is picked up by, coincidentally, the Westons and is forced to ride in the back with Jane. There he wins her over with his wit and the help of some rum. The romance blossoms and they run into different trials and tribulations along the way.

Typical romance story you might think, far from it. Switching back and forth between Pawtucket and Cornwall, back and forth between Tim's friends at home and his friends at college, and back and forth between his private and public lives, we see the many hurdles he must overcome and we laugh along the way. Alec Baldwin is hilarious and does a great job as Tim's strange father and Amy Smart is perfect in her role as Tim's girlfriend. Also, keep an eye out for George Wendt as he will deliver a surprise performance.

Outside Providence was much better than I expected and had me laughing throughout. The Farrelly brothers have delivered again with a funny movie with a spectacularly cast ensemble of talent.

Genres: Comedy, Romance
Rated: R
Runtime: 95 minutes
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