Blu-ray Review – Strangers with Candy

Created by Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Mitch Rouse, and Amy Sedaris, “Strangers with Candy” was originally a television series that ran for three seasons on Comedy Central, ending in 2000. The show followed the adventures of Jerry, a former sex worker and addict, who elects to return to high school as a 46-year-old woman, using her prison instincts to help navigate a new world of challenges from staff and students. It was a cult program that never attracted much mainstream attention, but it developed a loyal audience, and perhaps one that was deeply saddened by the eventual cancellation of the series. 2006’s “Strangers with Candy” is a feature-film revival of the show, putting star Amy Sedaris back in charge as Jerri, with the endeavor going the prequel route, detailing how the character moved from the big house to high school hallways. Directed by Dinello, and scripted by Sedaris, Colbert, and Dinello, “Strangers with Candy” is an amusing ride with a new R-rated upgrade, though there’s definitely a limit when it comes to the appeal of the material’s zaniness. Even with a short run time, the movie can feel a little long, especially when it pursues weaker subplots and ideas. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com