By Emi Gruender
Welcome back to the fourth installment of the newly-minted series I lovingly call “Dad’s Daily DVD!” Last issue, we watched the outstanding sci-fi comedy Back To the Future, which earned the most outstanding score of 10/10. This issue, we’re returning to the movie genre that started this disaster of a series— romantic comedy.
According to Google and my mother’s foggy memory, There’s Something About Mary stars a seemingly perfect woman named Mary that turns heads everywhere she goes. She’s gorgeous, kind, successful, and popular— leading to men falling head over heels for her on sight. Ted, our loveable loser of a protagonist, recalls the time he became unfortunately yet hilariously injured the night of his senior prom, when he was planning to take Mary out on a date. Even years after graduation, Ted cannot stop thinking about her, and finally decides to hire a private investigator to see how she’s doing presently.
Unavoidably, wacky adventures ensue. Starring Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, and Matt Dillon as our starkly contrasting main characters, I was in stitches until the director’s slide appeared on-screen. Below lies my honest review of one of the most unhinged movies (so far discovered) in my dad’s collection.
If you’d like to know more, read below. Warning– there are spoilers!
*SPOILERS BELOW!*
★★★★★★★★☆☆ — 8/10, There’s Something About This Movie…
Though definitely not a classic like “Notting Hill” or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” this movie is charming and quite comedic. Whenever I look at Ben Stiller, I can’t help but imagine Zoolander flashing his iconic Blue Iron look at Mary in a desperate attempt to woo her.
I very much enjoyed when the producers attempted to make the 30-something year-old Ben Stiller look like an awkward 17-year-old by slapping braces and a hazel wig on his face. Though Cameron Diaz definitely pulled off a late-teenager-like look, Ben Stiller did not. And at the end of the day, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Lies piled upon lies upon lies in this movie. Despite being a silly little rom-com, my mom and I found ourselves on the edge of our seats, waiting for Mary to realize she’s been tricked by all the men around her.
Man, there really is something about Mary, huh?
Below is the customary “Dad’s Daily DVD” List— my futile attempt to define what it is about Mary that makes her…. Mary.
THINGS ABOUT MARY
- She is, in fact, a siren. How is every male character in this movie— old and young alike— in love with her?
- She has no qualms taking mystery fluid off of her date’s ear and running it through her hair because she believes it is hair gel.
- She is aware of the two musicians that constantly follow her around, narrating the events of the story. Until one of them gets shot, of course.
- She believes architects have flexible jobs.
- She does not like it when a guy stalks her.
- She is very easily convinced of whatever people tell her. Did you know “Eligible” backwards is spelled “Gullible?”
- She completely accepted the fact that a friend of hers lied about
- Being an architect
- Being physically disabled
- Being from a foreign country (heavy accent)
- Somehow reserving himself an office in an architect building despite being a pizza delivery driver.
- Despite the fact that all of these men do not deserve her, she still picks Ted in the end, despite his borderline stalking of her.
Though doubtlessly unhinged and slightly inappropriate, I think it’s worth a watch.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This movie is rated R, proceed with caution when watching with younger children.