Outside Providence (1999)

Recap: Tim Dunphy grows up in Pawtucket. His brother is in a wheelchair, his father raising them alone and struggling to get by. There isn't much to do but drink and smoke pot. But after driving, both drunk and stoned, and crashing at full speed into a parked police car, his life is about to change. But not in the way he thinks. Due to some odd connections, instead of getting jail, he get sent to a posh prep school. There he got to fight for his place and identity, and fight against the sadistic student master Funderburk. And then there is a girl.Comments: An average and pretty standard growing up story with most of the clichés about growing up. The struggle to find one's identity and path in life. You got the struggling youth in a struggling home, drinking and smoking, who then due some hardships learns to take responsibility and set a path for himself. And of course meets a girl. Nothing new.A movie written by the Farrely brothers and director Corrente this should not be confused with comedies like Dumb & Dumber or There's something about Mary. Outside Providence is quirky and delivers a fun remark now and then, but not at all in line with movies more thought of when you hear that the Farrelys has been involved. Outside Providence is much more a drama with a romantic flair and some comedy spice.A lot of known actors appear, mostly in small supporting roles, while the story is more focused on young more unknown actors. The exception being Amy Smart that of course is the romantic interest. A solid performance from her once again, it is still a puzzle for me why she hasn't made it bigger than she has. As far as I can tell she both got the looks and the talent.Not a movie to remember, and not a movie I would recommend. Not that it is bad, because it certainly isn't. But because there are others that are much better in each comparable genre.5/10

Hello, this movie just happened to be on the other day and I had nothing to do so I just watched it. I ended up absolutely loving it! Anyway, I did not understand something that Drugs said. He was asking Dunph if Bunny Cote ever went out on dates and then after Dunph replied, Drugs stated that he goes to the movies by himself. I don't understand why he said that or how that related to the scene. Even though I don't understand what he meant, it really broke my heart when he said that. He was my favorite character and it was just TERRIBLE that he died in the film!!! If anyone could tell me what he meant by that, my understanding of the movie would be greatly improved. Thank you very much!!!

Director: Michael Corrente, Script: Peter Farrelly (Novel), Michael Corrente, Bobby Farrelly, Cast: Shawn Hatosy, Tommy Bone, Alec Baldwin, Amy Smart, Jon Abrahams.Coming of age film about a group of stoner friends from the poor neighbourhood in the blue collar town of Pawtucket, R.I. The film is told from the point of view of Timmothy Dunphy, an underachiever whose main goal in life seems to be how much dope he can smoke. His mother committed suicide when he was just a small boy so it is just him, his disabled little brother and his father. One night while high on dope Tim smashes his car into a parked cop car! His old man has to bail him out of jail. In an attempt to turn his life around, old man Dunphy makes his son cut his hair and forces him to go to a strict boarding school in Connecticut. So here we have a poor kid at a rich prep- school. While here, he meets a rich, smart, preppy co-ed totally the opposite of himself but of course, they fall in love! This film has many funny as well as serious parts. During periods without dialog we hear many great rock songs from the 60's and 70's. The film was set in 1974. The 'bad guy' in the film is Mr. Funderberk (Timothy Crowe),the strict resident adviser or whatever you want to call him. Although a comedy, the film does have elements of drama. The scene with Tim talking to his old man about his mother is sad. His girlfriend Jane (Amy Smart) gets accepted to Brown but she gets accused of something she didn't do so her acceptance gets reversed as a result. Tim goes to Brown University and tries to see the Dean but the secretary told him he was booked the whole day and that he would have to make an appointment. Tim manages to get into the Dean's office through the window. He then proceeds to tell the Dean the truth about Jane.This movie was based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Peter Farrelly. The Farrelly brothers are from Rhode Island and many of their movies are filmed there. I wonder how close this film parallels his real teenage years. It would be interesting to read the book.

I overlooked this movie when it was in theatres and just saw it on video. I was very impressed. It wasn't the dumb gross out movie the Farrely's are known for. It had some laugh out loud moments, and some surprising tender moments as well. Alec Baldwin was hysterical as Old Man Dunphy and the supporting cast of friends like Drugs & The Wire were funny as well. This movie is a lot better than you'd probably think. It certainly surpassed my expectations.