While the filmmakers sought to honor the Stooges’ roots, the film’s approach is not a direct adaptation. Instead, it reimagines their story through a 21st-century lens, using CGI effects, modern dialogue, and pop culture references to make the slapstick feel fresh. However, purists criticized the film for diverging too far from the Stooges’ uncut, over-the-top antics, which thrived on a simpler, unpolished aesthetic. The 2012 film received mixed reviews from critics. Positive feedback praised its commitment to the Stooges’ physical comedy and the actors’ dedication to mimicking the original performances. Critics like Rolling Stone noted that the film’s relentless energy and visual gags honored the trio’s legacy. Conversely, others, such as The Hollywood Reporter , found the humor derivative and criticized the lack of originality in a genre already saturated with nostalgic remakes.