After one too many run ins with the law, a punk teenager from a working class background is sent to prep school by his frustrated dad, and learns a thing or two.After one too many run ins with the law, a punk teenager from a working class background is sent to prep school by his frustrated dad, and learns a thing or two.After one too many run ins with the law, a punk teenager from a working class background is sent to prep school by his frustrated dad, and learns a thing or two.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
- Tommy the Wire
- (as Adam Lavorgna)
- Mr. Funderburk
- (as Tim Crowe)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFilmed at the University of Rhode Island Kingston campus.
- GoofsIn Dunph's first day of school, he is in a math class where the teacher calls on him to solve a problem. The problem is written on the blackboard behind him. Later on in the film, what should be months have passed, and back in the classroom, the blackboard remains completely unchanged.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Old Man Dunphy: So, Dildo, whatever happened to that girlfriend of yours?
Timothy Dunphy: She's goin' to Brown University next year.
Old Man Dunphy: Brown University? They got one of those in Providence, you know.
Timothy Dunphy: There's only one, pop.
Old Man Dunphy: [laughs] You hot shit. How do you think she's gonna like ridin' around Providence in this shitbox?
Jackie Dunphy: She's gonna be Mrs. Dildo!
Timothy Dunphy, Old Man Dunphy: Shut up, you little hard-on.
- Alternate versionsThe video version features an alternate ending which was cut from the final print. The ending, which takes place after the graduation conmencement, features Jane Weston and Jackie Dunphy instead of Mr. Dunphy and Jackie meeting Tim outside the auditorum where she thanks him for helping her get into Brown University. They kiss which is interupted by Mr. Funderberk who yells at them for making a public scene and Tim responds by punching Mr. Funderberk in the face, to the delight of his friends standing nearby. Tim and Jane stroll off, pushing Jackie in his wheelchair, as Tim contemplates his future.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Odd Couple (1970)
- SoundtracksWon't Get Fooled Again
Written by Pete Townshend
Performed by The Who
Courtesy of MCA Records/Polydor Limited
Under License from Universal Music Special Markets
While not terribly original by any means, Corrente's film (which he co-wrote with Bobby and Peter Farrelly, adapted from the novel by Peter Farrelly) is funny and well presented, and has that quirky, recognizable Farrelly Brother's touch. There's even a poignant moment or two, and most importantly, this isn't a `silly' movie, and though the characters are fairly stereotypical, Corrente manages to give it something of a fresh face and allows the humor to evolve naturally, never fishing for laughs or manipulating the situations purely for the sake of hilarity. And it works well; there are some genuinely funny scenes, some side-splitting lines and one signature Farrelly Brothers scene that involves a flashback of the traumatic `hazing' of a freshman named Irving (Jack Ferver).
Shawn Hatosy gives a believable performance as Tim, and though he's not overly charismatic or likable, he does create a character with whom many peers and parents will be able to relate. Tim is a very real person feeling his way through a very precarious period of his life. And beyond the humorous aspects of the film, there is actually some very credible character development evident in Tim's behavior, and in the final analysis the overall picture not only aspires to a higher level because of it, but succeeds in that regard. Hatosy's Tim is very much the average kid who lives in your neighborhood and works at the local fast food joint while he figuring out what life is all about. Without anything singular or remarkable about him, he is entirely true-to-life and honest.
As `Old Man Dunphy,' Baldwin gives a solid performance, and with limited screen time manages to establish his character with astute precision. Like Tim, Baldwin's character is real, and serves as a kind of core for the story, and that realism of the characters is one of the strengths of the film. The `Old Man' maintains a gruff exterior-- a bravura by which to live, if you will-- but you get a sense that there is something deeper to him, while at the same time you realize that what you see is very much a true perspective of who he really is as well. It's a matter of Baldwin's ability as an actor enabling him to infuse some complexity into a character that could easily have been one dimensional in less capable hands.
The supporting cast includes Jon Abrahams (Drugs Delaney), Richard Jenkins (Barney), George Wendt (Joey), Adam LaVorgna (Tommy the Wire), Timothy Crowe (Mr. Funderbeck), George Martin (Dean Mort), Gabriel Mann (Jack) and Kristen Shorten (Bunny Cote). In a market veritably saturated for some time with comedies about teen angst (most of which are silly, insignificant, devoid of real humor and not worth the film they're printed on), with `Outside Providence,' Corrente and the Farrelly Brothers have to be given credit for delivering one that is truly funny while at the same time anchored in reality. There is, in fact, more here than meets the eye upon the initial viewing. Not only does it capture the essence of the era in which it takes place, but a sense of reality that in the end is definitive of it, as well. And it's done with humor, and without taking it over the edge, as the Farrelly Brothers are often wont to do. Ultimately, it's a satisfying experience, and it's the magic of the movies. I rate this one 7/10.
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $7,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $7,302,522
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,631,411
- Sep 5, 1999
- Gross worldwide
- $7,302,522
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1