Since 2011, the comedy troupe “The Tenderloins” has been knocking audiences dead with their irreverent brand of humor through their television series, “Impractical Jokers.” The series, which is set up in a hidden-camera format, displays the foursome, consisting of Joseph “Joe” Gatto, Salvatore “Sal” Vulcano, James “Murr” Murray and Brian “Q” Quinn as they competitively partake in challenges centered around dares and humiliation. In addition, the loser of the most challenges must be willingly subjected to a punishment, otherwise they will be forced to leave the show. Though it was far from necessary, the announcement of “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” still came with some intrigue, as it was interesting to ponder how it would be able to adapt the series’ structure and comedic style in order to formulate a full-length film. Even if the story left little to be desired, the film ultimately goes above and beyond in delivering an abundance of laughs as expected, and as such, it stands as an effective comedy.
The film sees the four jokers as they compete for three passes to a party held by singer Paula Abdul (“American Idol”) by participating in a series of challenges on a cross-country road trip. Like the series on which it is based, the challenges are presented in a hidden-camera format in which the jokers interact with unwitting strangers. Similar to films such as “Borat,” though the story is completely fictional, the situations presented happen in real life and are used to further the plot.
For those expecting a riveting and thorough story, “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” will certainly disappoint. Thinly crafted and rather forgettable, the plot as a whole serves no purpose other than to allow for the film to be more than just a drawn out episode of the series. Furthermore, though their comedic chops are front-and-center throughout the film’s entirety, the jokers’ lack of experience in acting becomes greatly apparent during the scripted portions, which often feel forced.
Just like other films based on reality television such as the “Jackass” film series, the film ultimately should not be judged for its plot or acting, but rather its comedy, the aspect which it was expected to deliver from the get-go. With a bigger budget and the use of locations other than New York City and the surrounding area, some of the challenges and pranks performed by the jokers are shown to be more extravagant, and at times better throughout, than what would normally be seen on the show. Furthermore, as opposed to repeating the same games and challenge concepts frequently seen on the show, the jokers use their new locations and resources in order to elevate their usual brand of comedy by coming up with creative ideas on the fly as they discover new areas and opportunities during their trip. In addition, the film also depicts individual challenges for each joker which mostly capitalize on running jokes from the show, which is a treat for fans familiar with them. Finally, though often unnecessary or cringe worthy, the scripted elements of the film occasionally contribute to its overall humor, often through the use of running gags featuring Murr.
Though the necessity of existence is still somewhat questionable, “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” certainly proves that bigger can be better in terms of television-to-film adaptations. Through the aid of a larger budget, the film’s humor prospers and ultimately outperforms its weak plot, while its four leads delight with their typical juvenile antics. Though the film may easily have sufficed as an hour-long television special, it nonetheless makes for an amusing time at the movies for any average moviegoer looking for some laughs.
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