The most offensive thing a comedy can do is not make you laugh. The tired setting, slow pace, juvenile attempts at humour, and lack of any characterisation beyond poorly sketched stereotype has rendered one of the least enjoyable cinematic experiences I've ever had.
The Happytime Murders centres around puppet ex-cop-turned-hard-boiled-noir-PI Phil Phillips (Bill Barretta) tracking down a serial killer who has killed his famous brother. He is aided by his former partner Detective Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) who was responsible for Phil's fall from grace. The premise of a puppet-human buddy cop movie is ludicrous and enticing enough to make a good comedy. The sad reality is a humdrum plodding through an uninspired dingy puppet stuffed world. The murders all occur within Phil's presence, which leads to the unsatisfyingly predictable police hunt of Phil, the FBI's pointless involvement, and Edwards confronting her warped hatred of Phil for saving her life to return the favour. All the above could be forgiven if the jokes were at least entertaining or witty enough to propel the film. Unfortunately, despite a wealth of comedic talent, and a solid idea, a strike rate of two laughs is not worth the other 91 minutes of utter boredom.
The Happytime Murders plays out like a Saturday Night Live skit that overstays its welcome. Don't bother giving this a cursory glance, instead watch Sausage Party again.
0.5 Stars
The Happytime Murders centres around puppet ex-cop-turned-hard-boiled-noir-PI Phil Phillips (Bill Barretta) tracking down a serial killer who has killed his famous brother. He is aided by his former partner Detective Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) who was responsible for Phil's fall from grace. The premise of a puppet-human buddy cop movie is ludicrous and enticing enough to make a good comedy. The sad reality is a humdrum plodding through an uninspired dingy puppet stuffed world. The murders all occur within Phil's presence, which leads to the unsatisfyingly predictable police hunt of Phil, the FBI's pointless involvement, and Edwards confronting her warped hatred of Phil for saving her life to return the favour. All the above could be forgiven if the jokes were at least entertaining or witty enough to propel the film. Unfortunately, despite a wealth of comedic talent, and a solid idea, a strike rate of two laughs is not worth the other 91 minutes of utter boredom.
The Happytime Murders plays out like a Saturday Night Live skit that overstays its welcome. Don't bother giving this a cursory glance, instead watch Sausage Party again.
0.5 Stars