Most of us have that special someone from our past that didn't quite turn out the way we might of hoped, and think about them form time to time. If we are lucky, we get past them, and go on with our lives.
    Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) has a story from High School has a story that beast probably all of us.
    In his senior year, Ted got a date for the prom with Mary Matthews (Cameron Diaz), the prettiest girl in school. An embarrassing meeting with her mother and stepfather ends  when Ted gets his private parts stuck in his zipper and Ted gets rushed to the hospital.
    Thirteen years later, Ted realizes he is still in love with Mary even though he has not seen her since the infamous prom night. Ted hires private detective Pat Healy (Matt Dillon) to locate her. Ted finds her in Miami and falls for her. Healy comes back and tells Ted that she has gotten rather fat and is a looser in life, then heads back to Miami to woo Mary.
    Ted finds out from his chiropractor that Healy lied to him and discovers the truth that Mary looks great and that she is a successful doctor. Ted decides to go to Miami to see Mary
    What follows in the films is a hilarious comedy as Ted, Healy, Tucker (another guy who has fallen for Mary), and Brett Favre (yes the real football player) all try and woo Mary. Most of the jokes are visual and don't translate real well to writing. However some of the bits include body fluid as hair gel, a small dog on speed, a serial killer hitchhiker, ted getting hooked with a fishing lure, a musical chorus in the greek tradition, and the cast lip synching "fill me up Buttercup" during the credits.
    This is screwball comedy to highest level in MANY years. In in age where our society has gone a bit over sensitive about many subjects, this film lets us laugh. The film is directed by the Farrelly brothers who brought "Dumb and Dumber" and "Kingpin" to the screen. Those films pale in comparison to There's Something About Mary.
    A wonderful job is done by all the actors in this film. Diaz presents us with the girl any male would love to have been the girl next door. Matt Dillon is hilarious as the goofy and insensitive Pat Healy who lies and misrepresents himself time and time again (watch for the teeth) to try and woo Mary. Ben Stiller presents us with the average nice guy who really does love Mary and is desperate to win her. The supporting cast including Chris Elliot (Dom!), Lin Shaye (Magda), Lee Evans (Tucker), and don't forget Fluffy, also hits on all cylinders to make sure this comedy doesn't slow down.
    So if you're looking for a comedy that will make you laugh so hard you'll cry check this one out! You won't be sorry.

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Page updated: 6/28/1999