Before there was Dumb and Dumber To, there was Dumb and Dumber.
The 1994 release of Dumb and Dumber is unique in movie history: Having earned almost $250 million worldwide, it is a bona fide box-office hit; yet, it is still often referred to as a “cult classic.” As the comedy became a staple of home entertainment collections and a weekly presence on cable television, it retained fans from its original theatrical release while simultaneously garnering another generation of fans who couldn’t get enough of the quotable lines and best friendship they found within the story of two simpletons on a road trip.
For his part, star of the first film Jeff Daniels was alternately flummoxed and unsurprised by the first movie’s success. “When we made it, we all thought 14-year-old boys would be impressed, but who knew the demographic would be from 8 to 80? I have businessmen coming up to me in the airport to tell me that it is their favorite movie, and I think that’s because the Farrellys tapped into Lloyd and Harry’s sense of innocence.”
Momentum for a sequel gained speed a few years ago when Jim Carrey, who costarred with Daniels in Dumb and Dumber, found himself in a hotel room watching the breakout comedy on television.
“I had seen bits and pieces of Dumb and Dumber a number of times,” he explains, “but this time I sat and watched it and was laughing and couldn’t believe some of the stuff we did. We captured lightning in a bottle.”
Over the years, directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly discussed ideas for a follow-up film, but they remained clear about one thing: Unless they could ensure that a perfect script was crafted, they wouldn’t consider a sequel. The filmmakerswere all too aware of what made the first movie so beloved, and didn’t want to tarnish fans’ comic experience with their heroes.
“Because of what Jim and Jeff did in the first movie, we knew the bar was set high and we worked a long time on the script and then brought in friends to help out, then we went to work with Jim for a bit,” recalls Bobby Farrelly. “The key thing for people to know is that Lloyd and Harry are still good-hearted guys. But since we’ve last seen them, there’s absolutely no mental growth, no character arc. Still, they have each other and that’s enough to get them through life.”
Dumb and Dumber To is available starting Feb. 17 on Video On Demand. Check your cable system for availability.
© Universal pictures Credit: Hopper Stone