SMALL APARTMENTS

First reaction: “What was that?” Contemplated final reaction: “Why was that?” This bizarre, dark comic crime-caper lies somewhere between the two.

Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas) is an almost schizophrenic, disgustingly-walks-around-in-his-underwear, good-for-nothing, Swiss alphorn lover who dreams of going to Switzerland. Before he can get to the Alps, he has to deal with a sick brother (James Marsden), a perverted dead landlord (Peter Stormare), an over-zealous cartoonish motivational speaker (Dolph Lundgren), a pet dog who chews on his dead landlord’s cut-off toe, a depressed old neighbor (James Caan), a pot-head (Johnny Knoxville) with mommy issues, a couple of street punks, a teen wannabe stripper (Juno Temple), and an alcoholic Investigator (Billy Crystal).

It does have its heart-warming moments, but they are too rare. Strictly for a niche audience. (JR)

*1/2

BY JOSEPH RANA