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 hits like a sledgehammer—Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson as Craig and Trevor belting out “I’ll Always Be On Top” in their underwear, slinging foam penises like weapons of mass distraction. It’s the kind of scene that makes you question whether you’ve accidentally tuned into an adult film or a Broadway stage. This is Larry Charles’ latest offering, a film that wears its absurdity on its sleeve, much like its title.

Based on the off-Broadway musical Fucking Identical Twins, Dicks: The Musical follows two alpha-male salesmen who discover they’re long-lost identical twins and decide to reunite their eccentric divorced parents. With a cast that includes Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Bowen Yang as God, and Megan Thee Stallion as their boss Gloria, the film is a chaotic blend of musical numbers, crass humor, and queer commentary.

Where Dicks: The Musical excels is in its unapologetic commitment to its bizarre premise. The film’s strongest moments come from its musical sequences, which allow the cast to shine. Megan Mullally’s portrayal of Evelyn, a woman whose vagina fell off and died (yes, you read that right), is a standout. Her performance is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, adding a layer of depth to the otherwise ridiculous narrative.

The film also benefits from its talented ensemble. Nathan Lane brings his signature charm to Harris, the newly out gay father, while Bowen Yang’s God provides a much-needed grounding force amidst the madness. Megan Thee Stallion’s Gloria is a delightful departure from her usual roles, delivering lines with a mix of authority and playful mischief.

However, Dicks: The Musical stumbles in its pacing and structure. The film’s first act is a whirlwind of introductions and musical numbers that can feel overwhelming. The plot, while entertaining, often takes a backseat to the sheer absurdity of the situations. Additionally, some of the humor falls flat, relying too heavily on crassness rather than clever wit.

The film’s attempt to blend queer themes with its over-the-top comedy is both its greatest strength and weakness. While it aims for a subversive take on family and identity, the execution can feel uneven. The final act, where Craig and Trevor discover their sexual attraction to each other, is handled with surprising sensitivity, but the build-up feels rushed.

In the end, Dicks: The Musical is a film that will likely divide audiences. It’s not for the faint of heart or those seeking subtle humor.

Tags: Nathan Lane, Aaron Jackson, Dicks: The Musical, Josh Sharp, Larry Charles