Frank McKlusky - Mann für besondere Fälle

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.

This movie is so bad that the producers would not let it be released into theaters. Although it is awful I would suggest that you watch this movie because it is very entertaining. Entertaining in the sense that it is so bad. The movie's bad acting and cameo appearences will make you laugh, not the plot or punchlines.

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)

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!

Comedian Dave Sheridan doesn't seem too concerned with forging his own identity here, largely content to ape Jim Carrey (the resemblance between the two is undeniable). Unfortunately, the script here (based on a story by Sheridan & screenwriter Mark Perez) is third-rate material. Occasionally it IS good for chuckles (such as Sheridans' choice of disguise at one point), and some people will appreciate the tendency of the movie to go for broke and not worry about political correctness.

Sheridan plays the title character, who's the son of a failed daredevil (Randy Quaid). After dad has a VERY bad accident, Frank grows up to be an ultra-safety conscious claims investigator for an insurance corporation. He loves what he does, and in his own incredibly goofy way, he's good at his job. Ultimately, he's out to nail two shameless ambulance-chasing lawyers (Kevin Pollak and Tracy Morgan), as well as a paraplegic (Enrico Colantoni) whom he suspects isn't disabled at all.

There are non-stop celebrity cameos in this one, which may help to make the movie palatable for otherwise unimpressed viewers. The funniest may actually be the late Joanie Laurer (a.k.a. wrestler Chyna), a hoot as an oversexed file clerk. By nature of the plot, Quaid gets precious little to do once the set-up is over, and country & Western sweetheart Dolly Parton adopts a "grin and bear it" attitude as the over-protective mom, who's given to calling Franks' new junior partner Sharon (the gorgeous and adorable Cameron Richardson) a "hussy".

Ultimately, a ridiculous movie whose cartoonish nature would have suited Carrey just as well. Sheridan has his moments, but the fate of this movie rather put an end to any chance he might have had for headlining future vehicles. As it is, it barely got a theatrical release.

Four out of 10.