Stuck on You

Movie, 2003, PG-13

Premise - Two conjoined twins have found a way to never let their disability hold them back. Cooperative, communicative, and forever bonded, the two flourish in their conjoined lifestyle - until one twin, Walt, decides he wants to pursue his dream of being an actor in Hollywood, and the two discover just how debilitating their situation can be in the face of horrible discrimination.

Review - I always had fond memories of this film as a kid, but of course many memories of films are tainted upon rewatch as an adult. This film, however, I appreciate even more now than I ever have. It should have stood the test of time, and instead is largely forgotten. This film is underrated, underappreciated, and likely misunderstood.

I personally think it walks the line nicely between having these characters be laughed with vs. laughed at. And the times where the audience does laugh "at" the characters, I hope they would leave the film with a new perspective. What I don't understand is those who just find the concept itself funny. Like, it's a comedy, 100%, but you can make a comedy about anything. You can make a comedy about cancer (i.e. 50/50), doesn't mean cancer itself is funny. But unfortunately, in the time that this was created and considering its creators origins in wild, raunchy humor, likely part of the appeal of the movie was "let's go see these two guys joined together, how hilarious!" In my opinion, the film is far more powerfully if seen as a comedy where you are laughing WITH the characters, not at them, and moments of the characters' vulnerability makes you cry more than laugh. And yes, I cried a lot watching this film.

There is so much comedy to be had not about what they CAN'T do, but what they CAN. We see them fight, cook, play hackysack, and so much more, better than anyone else could on their own two feet. What the film emphasizes is that their conjoined-ness, what makes them a "freak", was far from a disability, but a strength that makes them special. It's a theme that runs throughout the film, as we see others with disabilities who work in their restaurant.

Whenever we do get a glimpse of what they can't do, like hold a steady relationship, it hits me in the heart hard. And it's why we as an audience are so supportive of them getting the surgery and separating themselves, despite the health risks. That surgery scene had me bawling. In the end, they find the best of both worlds by duct taping themselves together when around each other, and also enjoying their own alone time.

It's also a very fascinating film about discrimination, regardless of their own functionality as a conjoined unit. In the beginning of the film, the two brothers live in a small town where everyone knows who they are. No one judges, because everyone's known them their whole lives. When they hit Hollywood, they really see the hatred, disgust, and confusion people have around their condition, and that also is heartbreaking to witness.

The bond these two shared is incomprehensively special. I can't imagine being that close to someone, where your every waking moment was spent together. It's the kind of bond that has me emotional even just thinking about it. That's probably what touches me most.

There is one fatal flaw to the film, however - CONJOINED TWINS ARE NOT FRATERNAL. These two look NOTHING alike, and only identical twins can be conjoined, as it is a result of a singular egg incompletely splitting. Had to really suspend my disbelief to get around that one. (92/100)

Quote - "Promise me you'll still be there when I wake up."

What to watch for - Like I said, the surgery scene where they split apart is very moving, as are the scenes right afterwards as they adjust to their new lives.

If you liked this movie, I'd recommend 50/50 or I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry or Shallow Hal! All give me a somewhat similar vibe.

Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly

Distributed by 20th Century Fox