Like many of you, I wasn't sure what to expect of the film, but went into it with an open mind, and no expectations. As we all know, the idea of a feature film had been tossed around for years, with several false starts, cast changes, and no doubt a pretty cold reception from folks in the industry. The Stooges in a present day setting...what a crazy idea. Well, I have to honestly tell you that Bobby & Peter Farrelly, along with fellow screenwriter Mike Cerrone made it happen!

I've been on the Stooges scene for around 25 years, so I think I have a pretty good eye for what to look for, and in my mind Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe), Sean Hayes (Larry), and Will Sasso (Curly) did a fabulous job of being true to the characters. Chris/Moe took control of the boys as expected, Sean/Larry was as out to lunch as you'd expect, and Will Sasso was brilliant in the role of Curly (I realize that "brilliant" and "Curly" aren't typically in the same sentence).

With the central storyline being "the boys help save the orphanage they grew up in" (sounds somewhat "Blues Brothers", doesn't it), some bits were predictable, but more often than not, there were plenty of unexpected (and fun) twists. Many of the Stooges "classic moves" (slaps, eye pokes, etc) were (of course) used, but there were several new pieces of physical comedy that fit in perfectly, and really added to those scenes. The 90-minute film was divided into three segments helping it to be true to the Stooges shorts, and I think they did a really good job of crafting things to give it that "short" feel. The film is "current", including things like reality TV (yuck) and the very popular (and ultra-curvy) TV actress Sofía Vergara, but there are also many classic references, including the sign over the orphanage door that reads "Established in 1934" (for those of you who aren't as fanatic as others, 1934 was the year the Stooges made their first Columbia Studios short subject). The film is rated PG, but as far as I am concerned (and I'm petty conservative), it is suitable for every member of the family. I am pretty sure that I didn't hear any profanity at all, which I appreciated. The Stooges never had to use crude language to be funny -- unlike many "comedians" these days -- they were just funny on their own.

There was a broad demographic (kids to grannies) in attendance at C3 Entertainment's Friends and Family, Red Carpet Premiere at the Alex Theatre on 4/11/12, and there was laughter and chuckles throughout the film. I know I was cracking up a lot! In a conversation with Moe Howard's daughter Joan after the film, she commented that she was very impressed with the story and quality of the performances.

I suspect many Stooges "purists" won't want to give the film a chance, but I really want to encourage each of you to check it out (with an open mind), and prepare to be entertained. Be sure to stay through the credits for an extra treat.

Bottom line, folks, I personally give the film two thumbs up!

UPDATE: 4/16/12 - I decided to see the film a second time to see if I was swayed in my opinion, because of the venue or excitement of the premiere. The second time around was just as entertaining as the first, and there were a few things here and there that I missed the first time around. If you haven't seen the film, get out there and see it on the big screen!