Chances are you've already heard the film's premise: Geek high schooler Ted (Ben Stiller) gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a prom date with the stunningly beautiful Mary (Cameron Diaz) which goes badly in the most painful (and I'm not just talking "broken heart" here) way imaginable. Years later, now-sensitive-writer Ted hires a private director Pat (Matt Dillon, dripping with grease) to find her in Florida. Mary ran to Florida because she has a small problem: guys (in particular, borderline-psychopath losers) keep falling for her.

The film sets out to make you squirm on many levels. The "gross-out" factor of this film is almost legendary, and at times a little gratuitous. (The guy's caught in a zipper; we know how painful that can be; the actor's comments are hilarious in themselves and tell us how awful the situation is; we don't need to see it for ourselves...) Beyond the ca-ca and wee-wee jokes, you're likely to cringe at the un-PC-ness of this flick, which can be both refreshing and annoying.

The interesting thing about the coverage of this movie is that few people discuss how it works as a romantic film. I guess the answer to that is "not so well." Mary is a character custom-tailored to many guy's dreams: gorgeous, sports-loving, kind to everyone (especially her mentally-handicapped brother and beach spinster neighbor,) secure professionally, and open to finding Mr. Right despite all the Mr. Wrongs she's gone out with. Ted (not unhandsome himself) is sensitive, sincere, and an aspiring writer. But the movie spends so much time setting up the jokes that you don't really see Ted and Mary's relationship develop, the few moonlight strolls don't explain what works so well between them, or making them seem like full people. Still, you end up feeling for Ted, you really do.

This a fun flick, and worth seeing if just for the hype-- the film is on the vanguard of the movement to set aside the self-censorship that many movies have undergone (in fear of the almighty ratings-board.) However, if you're looking for a romantic comedy you may be content to wait for the video.