Irene lacks plot, still funny

It makes sense that the Farrelly brothers would direct a split personality movie. It's autobiographical: the kings of modern slapstick have always walked a fine line between screwball comedy and matinee romance. From this duality comes their newest picture, Me Myself and Irene.

The film finds the brothers once again raising the bar for gross comedy. It tells the story of Rhode Island patrolman Charlie Evans (Jim Carrey), a nice guy whose good nature has made him into an emotional punching bag for the last 30 years. All this changes, of course, when he's finally pushed to the edge and surfaces alter-ego Hank, whose violent lustful rage is contrast to Charlie's politeness. The rest of the actual plot is a bit of a mystery, in that there really isn't one to speak of.

Though it's never fully explained why, Charlie has to escort a suspect (Renee Zellweger) to New York for questioning, during which both personalities fall in love with Zellweger and the battle for her affection begins. Regardless of structure,(or lack thereof) the action is held together by the cast and the amazing performance of Carrey, whose ability to take on two completely different characters is uncanny. Within seconds he navigates through the opposite demeanors of Hank and Charlie, making each believable and authentic.

The role is perfect for Carrey's intensity as he starkly delivers some of the funniest dialogue of his career. Adding to the laughs are Charlie's sons, who have the best lines of the film and steal every scene they're in (one helicopter scene is particularly funny).

The Farrelly's do their best to tie in a love story, culminating with a final redemption scene that has all the makings of a traditional romantic finale. It's sincere, but in the midst of all the midgets, albinos, rectal jokes, roadkill and marital aids, it's best to leave the Molly Ringwold irony at home. Rating: C