I sometimes wonder if "top critics" ever really listen to or observe the audience when sitting through a movie screening. If those who gave The Three Stooges a negative rating were at the screening I attended, they would have heard non-stop laughter from adults and even more so from the kids during the entire film. That may speak volumes about directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly's intentions to acquaint a new generation with some of the best comics the movie world has ever seen.

The Three Stooges -- Larry, Curly and Moe -- brought laughter into theatres as early as 1934. Played by the Howard family members beginning in 1917, their classic comedy act with boisterous physical antics coupled with their dim wit, but always intended with a pure heart, is now timeless. 

Bobby and Peter Farrelly also co-wrote the movie with Mike Cerrone. All three of them wanted to honor the Stooges with a new film that still mirrored their look, sound, dialogue and -- even more important -- the wonderful sounds of their gags as they clunk each other over the head, utter the word “Nyaaaaaahhhhhhh!” or hear a boink when someone gets clobbered.

This new movie starts when the Stooges -- Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso) and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) -- are dropped off in a duffle bag as babies at the Sisters of Mercy orphanage. The kids (Carter Hayden as Moe, Kieran Vine as Larry, Cooper Callihan as Curly) are adorable and look like the Stooges as adults. 

The story time travels with different stages of the Stooges as they mature into adults. Throughout the story, they are always trying to help and do the right thing but can’t help making a mess of everything. Of course, this irritates the nuns. Mother Superior is played hilariously as only Jane Lynch can. Sister Rosemary gets a good and kind buildup through the innocent demeanor of Jennifer Hudson. And Larry Davis, a brave soul, plays Sister Mary-Mengele. Even after the Stooges have gone out into the world, they always end up back at Sisters of Mercy.

I found this comedy extremely funny – except during a subplot when the stars of Jersey Shore were brought into the mix.

The three actors do an excellent job, and the production comes across as top rate, especially in stunts, choreography, make-up and sound. I commend the Farrelly brothers for demonstrating at the end of the movie that the pranks and tools they use are not real. So, kids, don't try and poke someone in the eyes!

(Released by 20th Century Fox and rated “PG” for slapstick action violence, some rude and suggestive humor including language.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.