Serious's most distinguishing feature is his unruly hair, which serves as both a reminder of Einstein's own unkempt mane and the endless series of '80s-era stand-up comedians memorable only for their wacky hairdos.

The movie runs out of -- excuse me again -- energy in the late going, and the invention of the humor is uneven. But Serious plays the title role with charm and lightness. His wild red hair makes Don King's look like a crewcut.

Considering the pre-opening buildup this film has had, it could turn out to be a bigger bomb than the one Einstein's theory anticipated.

Pleasingly cartoonish as physical comedy.