Well, here's a look at that film starring Shawn Hatosy that you might have seen the trailer before Star Wars for... Called OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE. I've been hearing good things about this movie for quite some time, and it's nice to hear the word is consistent. Here's Mason Jar Binks....
I saw "Outside Providence" at a screening the other day and I really liked it-- it was hysterical. First of all, it was from a novel written by one of the Farrelly Bros. (those guys who did the hilarious Kingpin and also Something About Mary). It’s the story of this poor kid in Providence, R.I. who gets sent away to a fancy boarding school. Kind of like Rushmore meets Dazed and Confused. Basically, a series of scenes from this guy’s life as he comes of age in the 70’s — but what was especially cool about it (besides some really hysterical scenes that I split my sides laughing at, like the main character’s roomate’s story of how he got the name "Jiz") was the realistic way it portrayed teen life. Even though it was set in the 70’s, these kids were shown in a way I could relate to. They have fun, suffer, and love each other in the same way I did not so long ago… without censorship.
Another reason the movie lingered in my mind was Alec Baldwain’s portrayal of the protagonist’s father. He was just great, classic Baldwin gruffness with a heart of gold. For any of the ladies who like him, he’s at his most Baldwinesque, struggling with his heart in the face of his masculine responsibilities. He’s such a jerk to his son—only calls him "Dildo"—but though it may seem cruel it’s done in the way that only the Farrelly brothers can—making you laugh throughout the hardships, allowing you to see the humour in even the most humilating aspects of life.
Anyway, I recommend it, if only for some of the funniest moments I’ve seen in a movie since There’s Something About Mary.
Mason Jar Binks
