Outside Providence

Although heavily promoted as created "by the makers of 'There's Something About Mary'" upon its release to draw fans of lowbrow humor, this coming-of-age comedy is actually a bit more sensitive. Based on Peter Farrelly's semi-autobiographical novel, it tells the story of Dunph (Hatosy), a stoner teen from Pawtucket who's sent to a snooty prep school by his father (Baldwin) after he and his high-on friends crash into a police car. He has immediate trouble fitting in, although he manages to hook up with coed Jane (Smart), whose book smarts help his anemic GPA. Unfortunately, his pranks put her Ivy League hopes in danger. Baldwin gives a good performance as the gruff-but-loving dad, but too many of the characters are merely skimmed over before they have a chance to develop.