Strangers with Candy

2005

Strangers with Candy

Critics Consensus

Occasionally funny, but little more than a jumbled, overextended episode of the TV show. Still, Candy devotees won't be disappointed.

52%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 99

55%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 66,070
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Movie Info

The cult-favorite television series which offered a fun-house version of '70s "after-school specials" returns in this big-screen prequel to the show Strangers With Candy. Middle-aged ex-prostitute, former drug addict and all-around lowlife Jerri Blank (Amy Sedaris) emerges from prison at the age of 46 ready to start her life over again. Jerri arrives at her parents' home to discover that her father Guy (Dan Hedaya) divorced Jerri's mom and remarried before slipping into a coma. Jerri's stepmom Sara (Deborah Rush) decides to let her stay with the family in the hope her presence might bring Guy around, though she doesn't seem very fond of her new "daughter." Jerri decides to complete the education she abandoned years ago by enrolling at Flatpoint High School, where Principal Blackman (Greg Hollimon) has bigger fish to fry than a middle-aged sex offender as a student. It seems Flatpoint's science scores have been dreadful, and only a first-place entry in the county science fair will maintain the school's accreditation. Science fair guru Roger Beekman (Matthew Broderick) is brought in with hopes of creating a winning project, but science teacher Mr. Noblet (Stephen Colbert) objects to using outside talent and starts a separate team of his own, bringing in Jerri to give her something to do. As it happens, Noblet's team comes up with a potential prize-winner with their Soup Can Superconductor, while Beekman foolishly accepts the help of art teacher Mr. Jellineck (Paul Dinello) and ends up with a dance routine instead of a science presentation. Determined to win out over Noblet's team, Beekman tries to get his hand on the plans for Noblet's project by convincing handsome Brason (Chris Pratt) to charm them away from weak-willed Jerri. Strangers With Candy also features cameo appearances from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Allison Janney, Ian Holm, and Kristen Johnston. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Cast

Amy Sedaris
as Jerri Blank
Stephen Colbert
as Chuck Noblet
Paul Dinello
as Geoffrey Jellineck
Greg Hollimon
as Principal Blackman
Deborah Rush
as Sara Blank
Gregory Hollimon
Dan Hedaya
as Guy Blank
Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Henry
Kristen Johnston
as Coach Divers
Justin Theroux
as Carlo Honflin
Matthew Broderick
as Roger Beekman
Sarah Jessica Parker
as Peggy Callas
Allison Janney
as Alice
Ian Holm
as Dr. Putney
Maria Thayer
as Tammi Littlenut
Carlo Alban
as Megawatti
Chris Pratt
as Brason
Elisabeth Harnois
as Monica
Joseph Cross
as Derrick Blank
David Pasquesi
as Stew
Alicia Ashley
as Rolanda
Jonah Bobo
as Shamus Noblet
Jeremy Chu
as Jeremy
Angelina Cruz
as Carmen
Delores Duffy
as Iris Puffybush
Michael Rivera
as Maniaco
Lorena David
as Teacher
Ryan Donowho
as Stanley
Dolores Duffy
as Iris Puffybush
Alexis Dziena
as Melissa
Chris Larkin
as Kim
Timothy Hsu
as Mascot
Billy Erb
as Mr. Herb
Tom Guiry
as P. John
Christopher Larkin
as Kim
Calvin Robertson
as Les Tuckles
Wallace Little
as Trake
Evelyn McGee
as Clair Noblet
Lian Moy
as Lian
Olivia Oguma
as Olivia
Cal Robertson
as Les Tuckles
Kristy Thomas
as Wanda
Hechter Ubarry
as Nico
Chandra Wilson
as Reba
Sarah Thyre
as Coach Cherri Wolf
Ivette Dumeng
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Critic Reviews for Strangers with Candy

All Critics (99) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (48)

View All Critic Reviews (99)

Audience Reviews for Strangers with Candy

  • Aug 12, 2014
    Hilarious in a Tracy Ulman kind of way...only better. I laughed often and heartily at this over-the-top, crazy comedy.
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Oct 13, 2011
    Strangers With Candy is a decent comedy. The film boasts a decent cast as well. Strangers With Candy has some laughs here and there, but as a good comedy, it never succeeds at being anything other than decent. I felt that the films weakness was that it tried to hard at making you laugh, for me a comedy should be effortless at making you laugh. Strangers With Candy is funny, but at times the jokes fall flat and are boring. The film does make you laugh, but by the films end, you realize that this film could have much better. There was a good cast of comedic talent at work here, and I'm actually quite surprised that this was the best they could do. The results are decent and there is nothing really great about the film. I thought that the film was fairly forgettable, and is the type of film that you need to see only once. This is not a film that demands repeated viewings. Stephen Colbert was the funniest aspect of this film, and he definitely made the film a bit more watchable. But like I said, the film is decent and has a few good laughs, but the film takes its time to build up, and keep the laughs moving along. This film had so much potential, however half the way it's very boring. Worth watching once, and you can forget about it, there's nothing really effective at work. This is simply a decent film that could have been much better than this.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Jun 22, 2011
    Funny and a good film to watch, Strangers With Candy, however presents a weak script, despire the great gags and the plot. Amy Sedaris, too, help a lot the sucess and the comedy of the film.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 30, 2009
    Ive NEVER been a fan of the TV show but this movie was so @#$%^ funny.
    Brody M Super Reviewer
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