This remake makes a number of mistakes, not the least of which is being directed by the Farrelly brothers. I don’t think I’ve seen the original version, but I have to imagine it works better than this remake.

Writing: The single biggest mistake in this film is the extremely crude material that feels COMPLETELY out of place. It just doesn’t work at all. It feels like being dirty and nasty just to be dirty and nasty. As much as they might be trying for humor, it just falls flat on its face, making a very loud, metallic thud in the process. I can’t stress how much this destroys this movie, which to be honest might have been able to otherwise work.

Production: The location filming does add something to the feel of the movie, but for the most part the production of the film is pretty pedestrian and average for the comedy genre.

Cast: As if wasting Ben Stiller wasn’t bad enough, poor Michelle Monaghan is absolutely neglected. Frankly, she’s the best thing about this film, but awash in the midst of all the rest of the story and characters, there’s just no way she can save things. And that’s a shame, cause she’s quickly shot up to being one of my favorite actresses, and all I could do was pity her amidst this mess of a film. She’s really trying, but has almost nothing worthwhile to play against. Actress Malin Akerman gets saddled with absolutely horrible material, so it’s almost impossible to judge her performance. It sucks, but it’s likely the fault of what they gave her to work with. Jerry Stiller certainly doesn’t help the film, and in all honesty probably does more to hurt it.

Music: Bill & Brendan Ryan are credited with the score. I’m not only completely unfamiliar with them by name, but I don’t recall the music score in this film whatsoever. So, I can make no comment. It must have been average enough if I don’t remember at least somewhat liking or disliking it.