There's Something About Mary (1998)

Despite never having seen it before, on first viewing you can see the influence that the Farrelly Brothers film has had on slapstick in the intervening years. Ben Stiller is Ted, a geek who has never forgotten his first love, Mary (Cameron Diaz) whom he was supposed to attend high school prom with. Due to a now infamous incident with a trouser zipper, he never made it to that prom, and years later, hires a private detective to track Mary down to see if there is any of the original spark still left between them. Despite its reputation, There’s Something About Mary isn’t particularly gross out (apart from perhaps the scene that gives the film its poster) and there are several laughs to be had along the way. Lee Evans is especially good as Tucker, another disciple of Mary who is pretending to be someone he’s not in an attempt to gain her love. Matt Dillon is also on good form as the sleazy Pat, yet one more in the ever-increasing list of Mary’s admirers. It’s good fun and actually has quite an entertaining intertwining script, and despite not being top-drawer comedy, there’s plenty to enjoy here. 7.0/10