Peter Farrelly's Outside Providence is a funny pic, but not as funny as the past (and future) Farrelly brothers projects. I think the reason is because they left the directing up to Michael Corrente. Not that that's completely bad, it just gives a different look to the picture that might've been given by the brothers. Story is based on Peter's novel (probably based on real life) about a kid who has to go to a preporatory school after crashing into a parked cop car. Alec Baldwin plays it good (yet with a complex Providence accent) as the kid's father and some other things are funny, but they can't match up to the funny pics that come around every year. B+

Peter Farrelly wrote the novel in which this film is based. This was a change of pace for Peter and his brother Bobby, coming right after their hit "There's Something About Mary". Although they entrusted the direction to Michael Corrente, their presence looms large in the background.

The film succeeds in presenting characters one can identify with. Timothy Dunphy is a teen ager who has grown with his younger, handicapped brother, Jackie, in a small town in Rhode Island. Timothy's future is uncertain, at best. Coming from a working family, his prospects for higher education are nil. Like other young men in his area, he is aimless and the guys he pals around with, are not exactly college material.

When Timothy is granted admission at the preppy Cornhill Academy, his life takes a turn for the better. At first, Timothy fights the rigid standards of the place. He doesn't like the atmosphere, but he is completely won by a pretty co-ed, Jane Weston, a rich girl, way out of his league. It's easy to see the combination will see trouble along the way.

The best trait about Timothy Dunphy is his honesty that comes into play right after Jane is caught with some boys smoking pot, and her ambition to go to Brown University is doubtful. Timothy does the right thing in going to the admissions dean at Brown to speak on behalf of the innocent Jane, who didn't bring her fate upon herself.

Shawn Hatosy, an actor who is always effective no matter what part he is playing, makes the most out of his Timothy. Surprising also, is Alec Baldwin, seen as the older Dunphy in a sincere performance. Jon Abrahams is Drugs Delaney. Amy Smart makes a valuable contribution to the film as Jane Weston.

The teaming of Michael Corrente and the Farrelly Brothers show a winning combination in an enjoyable film that will stay in one's memory for quite some time.

Outside Providence (1999): Dir: Michael Corrente / Cast: Shawn Hatosy, Amy Smart, Alec Baldwin, George Wendt, Jon Abrahams: Advertizements emphasize the fact that the Farrelly brothers wrote this film. Perhaps marketing figured that it had nothing else in its favour. Title refers to activities or lifestyles outside one's normal agenda. After his umpteenth mishap Shawn Hatosy is sent to Cornwall Academy where he is not a hit with the dean. His friends are on drugs, and his father refers to him as "Dildo" while drinking with his buddies. Pointless subplots include a guy who is interested in a girl but the screenplay forgets that situation. Predictable with vulgar humour that falls flat. Director Michael Corrente does his best but perhaps the Farrelly boys might have made it funny. Hatosy is hardly sympathetic and not a good lead. The role is predictable with Hatosy getting into trouble and out. Amy Smart serves no other purpose than to possibly sleep with him. Alec Baldwin comes through for dialogue as the father but the role is flimsy. George Wendt plays one of the buddies who will reveal that he is gay and get mocked out of the room. No points to figure out whether they will understand. Jon Abrahams plays a misfit named "Drugs" Delaney, which pretty much speaks for itself. Devoid of worth, this crap should be left outside Providence in a dump somewhere. Score: 2 / 10