Occasionally, a movie emerges that is so unapologetically stupid, so blissfully idiotic, and so utterly devoid of brainpower that you can’t help but embrace its sheer ridiculousness. Dude, Where’s My Car is precisely that kind of cinematic gem.
Many critics and viewers panned this movie, a reaction that remains baffling to me. In my view, Dude, Where’s My Car is akin to Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure for a new generation – a hilarious journey of two incredibly dim-witted guys stumbling through increasingly absurd situations.
Jesse and Chester, our protagonists, are two perpetually stoned buddies who awaken one morning to a kitchen overflowing with pudding and, more crucially, their car vanished. Their memories of the previous night are, understandably, hazy at best. As they retrace their steps to locate their missing vehicle, they plunge headfirst into a bizarre odyssey involving transsexuals, strange cults, extraterrestrial encounters, and even the Department of Motor Vehicles.
I have a personal theory regarding “dumb guy” movies. I often find myself disliking the Adam Sandler or Rob Schneider brand of dumb comedy, as their characters often come across as pathetic. These are frequently portrayed as sad, clueless individuals yearning for something more in life, yet bumbling through their days oblivious to their own idiocy. While Steve Martin’s The Jerk is a notable exception that works brilliantly, I generally prefer movies centered on characters who are genuinely, unashamedly dumb – figures like Bill and Ted, or indeed, Jesse and Chester. They embrace their stupidity, and that’s where the humor lies.
Enough about my metacomedic theories on cinematic stupidity. Dude, Where’s My Car? consistently made me laugh, and often quite heartily. Let’s be clear, this isn’t a cinematic masterpiece. The ostrich farm scene, for instance, falls completely flat. Furthermore, the studio’s insistence on a PG-13 rating undoubtedly hampered the film, with much of the drug and sex humor likely toned down in editing. However, the movie boasts at least two truly classic comedic sequences: the escalating one-upmanship scene with Fabio, and the chaotic escape from the cult’s barn. These moments alone are worth the price of admission.
Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott essentially reprise their familiar personas from That 70s Show and Road Trip, respectively. However, they inhabit these roles with such commitment and comedic timing that it’s perfectly acceptable. A noteworthy casting tidbit: Kristy Swanson, the original Buffy Summers, makes a surprise appearance as the aptly named Kristy Boner.
And let’s not forget the underappreciated comedic talent of Mary Lynn Rajskub (yes, I’m serious!). Ultimately, Dude, Where’s My Car? won’t garner any prestigious awards or profoundly alter your life, but if you’re in the right frame of mind and seeking some unadulterated, silly laughs, it will deliver in spades.
THE DVD Experience: Video and Audio
The DVD transfer of Dude, Where’s My Car? is surprisingly impressive. The visual quality is remarkably sharp and clean throughout, exhibiting no noticeable edge enhancement or distracting shimmering.
Having seen the movie in theaters initially, I was particularly struck by the dynamism of the home theater sound field on the DVD. I don’t recall the theatrical experience possessing the same level of immersive surround sound action that is present here. The audio work on this DVD is commendable.
Bonus Features: More Than Just a Movie
Dude, Where’s My Car? might not be officially labeled a “special edition,” but it certainly feels like one. The DVD includes a genuinely hilarious audio commentary track featuring the two lead actors (who seem not too dissimilar from their on-screen personas) and the director. Their commentary devolves into drunken tangents, bathroom breaks, and anecdotes about sleeping with extras – precisely the kind of commentary that provides enduring entertainment value.
In addition to the commentary, the DVD offers seven extended scenes. Often, these are scenes that made the theatrical cut but feature additional humor that was trimmed to secure a PG-13 rating. For example, the extended version of the encounter with the “Space Babes” includes a more explicit offer of “oral pleasure” compared to the theatrical version’s more ambiguous “pleasure.”
The extras also include a bizarre and surreal featurette that appears to have been sourced from a press kit designed for someone under the influence, as well as a music video.
If you enjoyed Dude, Where’s My Car? in theaters but were undecided about owning it, the inclusion of the uproarious commentary track alone makes this DVD a worthwhile purchase. It elevates a hilariously dumb movie into a truly enjoyable home viewing experience.
