Frank McKlusky, C.I.

Despite being made by a major Hollywood studio, "Frank McKlusky, C.I." barely got a theatrical release. Watching it, it's easy to see why the studio got cold feet. To be fair, it's some distance from the worst comedies I have seen. For one thing, Dave Sheridan takes the lead role that could have been made absolutely obnoxious by another actor and makes the character quite likable. And there are a few mild chuckles here and there. However, the movie for the most part simply isn't that funny. Some gags border on bad taste, but most of the failed gags not only come across as quite childish (like a child actually conceived them), but are executed with a surprising lack of crazy energy. It doesn't help that the production values of the entire enterprise come across as surprisingly shoddy at time. At least the movie is somewhat short (only 82 minutes if you count the closing credits), though there are signs that the movie was significantly cut down in the editing room, perhaps in a desperate attempt to save it.

I'm surprised so many reviews trash this film so much, because honestly despite it's obvious flaws and unoriginality (this film rips on Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura like no other). Honestly though, I think if you liked either of those films, you can enjoy many parts of this one. The list of stars making cameos in this film are numerous and sometimes save the scene (eg. Tracy Morgan as a bogus claim con). Sadly many jokes in the film fall flat on their face, and when they do, it's like hitting a brick wall. To compound this so much of the film is a direct ripoff of Ace Ventura, such as the numerous disguises the McKlusky uses. His character is also too similar to Jim Carrey's Dumb and Dumber character, which doesn't help. Overall I think the film is worth watching, but don't be prepared for greatness.

This movie was a terrible attempt at comedy. The plot was beyond stupid and the actors were just plain awful. Jokes failed miserably. I guess Dolly Parton and Randy Quaid owed someone a favor because I can't believe they actually would want to be in this crap. And if this is what Chyna had in mind when she left wrestling; then maybe she should think again.

FINAL VERDICT: Trash! Avoid it at all cost!

I guess I am the only person to see this movie. I think it's only playing in about 10 markets right now, all of them in Florida. I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I would from the ads- the star, Dave Sheridan, is a very funny comedian who is an alumnus of Second City and appeared in small roles in "Scary Movie" and "Ghost World". He is reminiscent of a young Jim Carrey in the role of the helmet-sporting Frank McKlusky. During the movie, he dons several "disguises" that are pretty funny- the female gymnast scene probably being the best of the bunch. For some reason, there were a lot of '80s references in this movie too- from Scott Baio to Willie Tyler and Lester to ALF (ok, a poster of ALF on a wall in one scene), there are a lot of cult icons in this movie that give it a kitsch status. Cameos by funny people like Saturday Night Live's Tracy Morgan and an embarrassed-looking Andy Richter help make it watchable too. In fact, I think this is probably the single weirdest cast ever assembled for one movie- and wait until you see female wrestler Chyna in her assortment of "sexy" outfits throughout the film.

So if it is playing in your area, take a chance on this movie and you might just get some laughs out of it. Or look for it on video in a few weeks where I am sure it will soon appear. Maybe next time Sheridan will be given a chance rather than having his movie dumped into a handful of theaters with little promotion.

I guess if Jim Carrey is going to make serious films like The Majestic, they need someone to fill his old shoes. They found him, David Sheridan. This movie was definitely Jim Carrey-esque...not only does Dave Sheridan act exactly like Jim Carrey, but he happens to look remarkably like him. Unfortunately, the script is ridiculous. A few laughs are provided, but mostly it's groans. If you've been missing the funny Jim Carrey, you might want to try this film for a fix.

*1/2 (out of 4)