Impractical Jokers has enough laughs for a matinee
Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Impractical Jokers has enough laughs for a matinee

Comedy troupe “The Tenderloins” make their big-screen debut in director Chris Henchy’s Impractical Jokers: The Movie from Funny or Die and truTv. In 1994, four friends, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, and James Murray, were involved in an incident at a Paula Abdul concert. The incident results in the group deciding that videotaping dares is an excellent way of making a living, and the show Impractical Jokers is born. 

Years later, the show is a success, and in an ironic twist of fate, the foursome runs into Abdul at a local Red Lobster.  Abdul recognizes the group from their hit comedy show and not from the 1994 incident.   Abdul invites the group to a party in Miami, with full VIP access, but only gives them three passes. The group then decides to drive cross-country to Miami, competing in a series of pranks, with the loser not going to the concert.

Adaptations of TV shows into movies is nothing new, however with reality-based shows, the question of, “why would you pay for something in the theater, that you can watch at home” arises? For it’s a simple answer, there’s nothing like the big screen. While I consider myself more of a casual fan of the show Impractical Jokers, my wife, and son are faithful viewers of the show.

Walking into the film, I generally knew what the concept of the show was and expected to see a ninety-minute adaption of the series, with the envelope-pushing a bit further. To my surprise, screenwriters Chris Henchy, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano craft a successful linear story centered on the show’s concept.

The plot is a simplistic one, granted movies like this don’t need to be overly complicated. However, the pranks in the film as the friends try to one-up another are what saves the film. Some of the capers in the movie include an Atlanta Hawks interview, a tiger in a Motel Room, and reading fake eulogies on the National Mall. One of the pranks that feature one of the Jokers as “Bat Boy” is worth the price of admission alone. I also enjoyed the extended cameos for Paula Abdul and Jaden Smith, both of whom are clearly in on the jokes.

The one area where Impractical Jokers: The Movie doesn’t succeed is the backstory for the group. Having the group portray the younger version of themselves is a mistake as the wigs and make-up have the quality of a high school drama production. While I understand this is a lower budget film, I’m sure the studio could’ve found lookalikes for the group. I would’ve also liked to see all of the Joker’s families in the film. The only Jokers who get somewhat of a backstory are Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano. There’s a running joke throughout the film that tries to paint James Murray as a mysterious figure, and while the set-up is interesting, we never get a punchline ending.

Nevertheless, I do recommend that fans of the show make the trip to the theater to see Impractical Jokers: The Movie.  The film stays true to it shows roots, while providing enough laughs for novice viewers.

Final Grade C+

Movie Clappers

More to explorer

Is It Cake Season 3 Serves Up More Family Fun

Comedian Mikey Day reunites with Netflix for Season 3 of the hit show Is It Cake. Deception is the name of the game for the world’s most talented bakers, who will compete to create hyper-realistic cakes that look exactly like everyday objects – with cash on the line. But are they good enough to deceive a panel of celebrity judges… and you? You’ll be asking yourself, ‘Is it real?’ Or…Is It Cake?”

Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, King Of Stage

The year was 1986, and Bobby Brown, a well-known teen idol, was at a critical juncture in his career. His childhood friends had recently voted him out of their musical group, New Edition. Nonetheless, his label’s CEO, the late Jheryl Busby, apprised Brown that the label was obligated to offer him a solo deal. Consequently, Brown embarked on his debut solo album, “King of Stage,” which we chose as our featured selection for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.

Slow Jam Saturday: Mtume, You, Me & He

Although some may consider R&B band Mtume as one-hit wonders for their classic song “Juicy Fruit,” true music enthusiasts know that the group had already released two albums before that song, along with some fantastic album cuts and 11 other charting songs. Led by James Mtume and featuring the powerful lead vocals of Tawatha Agee, Mtume’s track “You, Me and He” is the perfect choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

© Copyright Reviews & Dunn. All rights reserved

website designed by Red Robin Digital designers