Senseless (1998)

SENSELESS has a handful of side-splitting moments, most of 'em oc-
curing when Marlon Wayans does something raunchy, such as faking 
Tourette's Syndrome or experiencing a bout of "advanced rectal ir-
ritation."  And, there's probably enough of those big laughs to 
keep folks from walking out on this otherwise over-plotted and un-
evenly toned collegiate comedy.  Wayans plays a strapped-for-cash 
econ major, whose participation in a science experiment leads to a 
superhuman set of senses.  Slapstick ensues, but so does romance 
and a dozen other straight-played plot twists.  Silly collides with 
serious and, with the exception of a few good gags, "watchability" 
goes right out the window.  Of course, last night's sneak preview 
audience didn't seem to mind.  They laughed and laughed and laugh-
ed.  What the Hell do I know?  Directed by Penelope Spheeris, who 
won an award at this year's Sundance Film Festival for her third 
DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION documentary.  If creating crappy 
comedies keeps those non-fiction films a-comin', I won't complain 
too loudly.  With Brad Dourif, Matthew Lillard, David Spade, Tam-
ara Taylor, and Rip Torn. (Rated "R"/100 min.)

Grade: D+

Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies