Name: Dicks: The Musical
Genre: Music, Comedy
Released: 2023-10-06T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Josh Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Bowen Yang

The opening number of Dicks: The Musical slams into the audience like a freight train—Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson as Craig and Trevor, two self-obsessed businessmen belting out their misogynistic anthems with unbridled gusto. Directed by Larry Charles, this 2023 A24 release is a brazen, unapologetic swing at the musical comedy genre, adapting the off-Broadway show Fucking Identical Twins with all the raunchy charm and chaotic energy its title promises. From the get-go, it’s clear that this film isn’t here to play nice; it’s here to shock, to provoke, and—if you’re lucky—to make you laugh so hard your ribs ache.

The premise is absurd on its face: two identical twins, separated at birth, reunite as adults and plot to reunite their eccentric divorced parents. But where lesser films might stumble under the weight of such a ridiculous concept, Dicks: The Musical leans into it with gusto. The film’s strength lies in its commitment to its own insanity. Larry Charles, known for his work on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Borat, brings his signature brand of cringe comedy to the table, crafting a film that is as uncomfortable as it is hilarious.

The performances are a major selling point. Sharp and Jackson have undeniable chemistry, their dynamic shifting from rivalry to brotherly bonding with ease. Their scenes together are electric, filled with rapid-fire banter and physical comedy that keeps the energy high. Megan Mullally, as Evelyn, the boys’ eccentric mother whose detached vagina becomes a running gag, is a scene-stealer. Her performance is a masterclass in comedic timing, delivering lines with a straight face that makes the absurdity even funnier. Nathan Lane, as Harris, the newly out gay father, brings his signature charm to the role, balancing humor and pathos in a way that makes his character feel surprisingly three-dimensional.

Bowen Yang’s God narration adds a meta-layer that keeps the story from collapsing under its own weight. His deadpan delivery grounds the absurdity in something oddly profound, offering moments of genuine reflection amidst the chaos. Megan Thee Stallion’s cameo as Gloria, the fired boss, is a standout—her presence elevates the film’s energy, even if her role is brief. Tom Kenny and Frank Todaro as the Sewer Boys add an element of surrealism that keeps the audience on their toes.

The musical numbers are packed with catchy tunes that stick with you long after the credits roll. The songs range from raunchy anthems to heartfelt ballads, each serving a purpose in driving the narrative forward. However, not all of them land equally well. Some feel rushed or underdeveloped, struggling to find their footing amidst the film’s breakneck pacing.

But Dicks: The Musical isn’t without its missteps. The plot meanders at times, struggling to balance its raunchy humor with genuine emotional beats. The Sewer Boys subplot feels underdeveloped, and their eventual resolution is rushed, leaving some of the film’s weirdest elements unresolved. The pacing stumbles in the third act, with the family reunion feeling both predictable and contrived. The film’s attempt to tackle themes of family, identity, and acceptance is commendable, but it often feels like these themes are tacked on rather than woven into the fabric of the story.

The film’s originality is its strongest suit—it’s rare to see a musical this unapologetically vulgar and politically incorrect. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries, whether it’s through its raunchy humor or its exploration of taboo subjects like incest and gay marriage. However, its genre fit is shakier; while it has moments of genuine hilarity, it often feels like a tonal mess, struggling to decide whether it wants to be a raunchy comedy or a heartfelt family drama.

In the end, Dicks: The Musical is a wild ride that’s as messy as it is entertaining. It doesn’t always land its punches, but when it does, it hits hard. It’s a film that will leave audiences laughing, cringing, and everything in between. It’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those looking for a traditional musical experience.