There's Something about Mary

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There's Something about Mary ★★★ 1998 (R)

Outrageously funny comedy that only veers from the gutter when it feels like taking a dip in the sewer. Set in 1985, the prologue introduces us to geeky Ted (Stiller), who gets a prom date with class knockout Mary (Diaz) after sticking up for her retarded brother Warren (Brown). The big date is not to be, however, for a vicious tuxedo zipper to the privates incapacitate Ted. Thirteen years later, Ted is still depressed over the incident, and still carries a torch for Mary. He hires Pat (Dillon), an oily detective with enormous choppers, to find her. Unfortunately for Ted, Pat is instantly smitten with Mary and lies. Ted learns the truth and heads to Miami to find her himself. Merely looking at the plot does not do justice to this lowbrow masterpiece. 118m/C VHS, DVD, UMD . Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Cameron Diaz, Chris Elliott, Lee Evans, Lin Shaye, Jeffrey Tambor, Markie Post, Keith David, Jonathan Richman, W. Earl Brown, Khandi Alexander, Richard Tyson, Rob Moran, Lenny Clarke, Zen Gesner, Harland Williams, Richard Jenkins; Cameos: Brett Favre; D: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly; W: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Edward Decter, John J. Strauss; C: Mark Irwin; M: Jonathan Richman. MTV Movie Awards ‘99: Film, Female Perf. (Diaz), Villain (Dillon), Fight; N.Y. Film Critics ‘98: Actress (Diaz).