After a long string of spoofs of established film genres, Mel Brooks attempts a sort-of original story (based on the 1941 Preston Sturges classic, Sullivan's Travels) about a rich man who, on a bet, temporarily gives up his wealth and endeavors to survive on the streets. Sporadically, the film is hilarious, but as a whole, it's unfulfilling. Perhaps if Brooks had decided whether this was going to be a social satire or slapstick comedy, instead of attempting an awkward integration of the two, or maybe if he were just a bit less preachy, Life Stinks would have been better. As it is, it's interesting only for its few funny scenes and the unusual departure from Brooks' usual comic style.