Outside Providence (1999)

50% of critics liked it
(74 reviews)
58% of users liked it
(7,175 ratings)

Based on a novel by Peter Farrelly, published in 1988 before he became famous as a writer and director of such films as Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin, and There's Something About Mary, Outside Providence is a coming-of-age story set in the 1970s. Timothy Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy), known as Dunph to his… More Based on a novel by Peter Farrelly, published in 1988 before he became famous as a writer and director of such films as Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin, and There's Something About Mary, Outside Providence is a coming-of-age story set in the 1970s. Timothy Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy), known as Dunph to his friends and Dildo to others, is a high school burn-out with a gift for getting into trouble; it doesn't help that his best friend is named Drugs Delaney (Jon Abrahams), and it somehow makes sense that Dunph's pet would be a three-legged dog with one eye. Dunph's father (Alec Baldwin) is convinced his son is on the fast track to Palookaville, so when Timothy gets in a wreck with a police car, his dad pulls a few strings and enrolls him in a private prep school. Dunph quickly learns the biggest difference between his old friends at home and his new classmates: rich kids have money, and money buys privilege. They can buy drugs from expensive dealers who won't fink on them, and pay for abortions when their girlfriends get unexpectedly pregnant, instead of having to get married. Dunph doesn't entirely fit into a school full of rich kids, but when he falls in love with Jane Weston (Amy Smart), he's determined to win her heart. Peter Farrelly adapted his novel with the help of his brother and screenwriting partner Bobby Farrelly and director Michael Corrente, whose previous credits include the film version of David Mamet's American Buffalo. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Michael Corrente
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 1, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Oct 2, 2001

Critic Reviews

Susan Stark, Detroit News
Bravo!
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When the Farrellys have a point to make they know just the right language.
John Hartl, Film.com
Entertaining!
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
Michael Corrente loses his bearings, bringing nothing fresh, and everything bland.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
So many real-seeming, gemlike scenes!
Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
Faithfully evokes the era!
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
[The first] shot is pure Farrelly, but the rest of the movie doesn't match its humor.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the performances and the genuinely interesting script make this one worth checking out.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A funny and sometimes poignant coming-of-age drama.
Kamal 'The Diva' Larsuel, 3BlackChicks Review
I wish I had been outside of Providence instead of watching this mess.
Angela McManaman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Outside Providence is the kind of film that, 10 minutes after the closing credits roll, you can't help forgetting.
Darren D'Addario, Citysearch
A sweet romantic comedy!

Read all 12 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

James A

Nothing special, yet still enjoyable.
Leigh R

Good movie.
Burger S

Cool story - slice of life film. Set in the 70's. Written by one of the Farrely Bros, but not directed. Kick ass soundtrack.