Back in September 2013, Dumb and Dumber fans worldwide were given a reason to be cheerful when the first picture of Harry and Lloyd together again emerged online. After years of rumours and false starts, official confirmation that the Farrelly brothers had called action on their unlikely sequel a full two decades after wrapping the original was a welcome surprise. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. Dumb and Dumber To made its bow in a number of territories over the last month and opens in UK cinemas this week. A decent $127 million-and-counting thus far doesnt disguise the fact that the movie has received a critical beatdown, as evidenced by a 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reaction hasnt been quite so damning, but its clear enough that Carrey, Daniels and the Farrellys werent able to recapture the magic that made Dumb and Dumber a thoroughly guilty pleasure. Theres no need for anyone involved to feel too bad about themselves: as The Inbetweeners 2 also demonstrated earlier this year, good comedy sequels are few and far between. Horrible Bosses 2 a sequel no one asked for, its fair to say also opened recently, and while it had its moments its hard to imagine there will be any clamour for another instalment. One comedy sequel fans really did ask for was another chance to see Ron Burgundy pick up the jazz flute; 2004s Anchorman made a modest impression at the box office but has gained a huge cult following over the years. However, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues was a classic case of the cast having more fun making the film than people did watching the fruits of their labour. These misfires shouldnt come as any great shock as much as anything else, comedy relies on the unexpected and subverting expectations. Nonetheless, every now and then the genre manages to beat the odds and deliver a sequel worth watching
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