Writer: Chris Henchy, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano
Starring: Brian Quinn, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Sal Vulcano, Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, Casey Jost, Joey Fatone
Review: In 1992, teenagers Joe (Joe Gatto), Sal (Sal Vulcano), Murr (James Murray), and Q (Brian Quinn) sneak into a Paula Abdul concert. After ruining the concert, Abdul vows revenge. 26 years later, Abdul, who has seemingly forgotten their interaction from many years prior, admits she's a big fan of Impractical Jokers and invites the guys to her show in Miami. Seeking retribution for their previous mishaps, the jokers go on a road trip where they compete in a series of hidden-camera challenges. With only three tickets available, the loser of the challenges will not be able to attend the concert.
Full disclosure, I am a big fan of the Impractical Jokers TV show. With that said, the movie was odd to say the least. It's not that I disliked this movie, but I think I just hoped for more than what was essentially an hour-and-a-half-long extended episode of the show. The pranks and gags carried out by the lovable four jokers are entertaining and silly as usual, and this film is proof that the concept that they've established over the years absolutely works. But it also begs the question: Was packing a series of pranks and hijinks into a movie really necessary?
The short answer is "No."
Impractical Jokers: The Movie will make the loyalest of fans howl with laughter. Everything from the guys interviewing for jobs with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, to flagging down help from strangers for a broken down car, to forcing Sal to play an overzealous Jaden Smith fan, and much more will assuredly make those familiar with the concept happy. For newcomers, the material can still be funny, but without any basis for the comedy, some of the jokes may struggle to land. The jokers' brand of comedy certainly isn't for everyone, which limits the appeal to people unfamiliar with the TV show. Not to mention, there isn't really a plot aside from a thinly-concocted story that is used only as a device to move the film along.
The jokers are their typical outrageously hilarious selves, but I wouldn't implore anyone to rush to their nearest theater for a screening of this film. At the end of the day, Impractical Jokers: The Movie plays as more of a one-off special than a blockbuster hit.
Fun Fact: During the Miami scene when Murray is walking the town and the four girls eating dinner recognize him as he walks by, you can see Will Ferrell sitting behind them eating dinner. Ferrell's Funny or Die company produced the film.