WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN?
by ReelReviewz@aol.com Graphics by Michael Popo

MOVIE BIASES: We luh ol' Marty Mar, wonder if he's worth his "very large pro bono," but are the funniest parts used up in the trailer?

MAJOR PLAYERS: Martin Lawrence (Blue Streak), Danny DeVito (Drowning Mona), John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), and Bernie Mac (Kings of Comedy).

After "Bad Boys" put him on the mainstream map, Martin Lawrence's star has continued to rise. But after the extremely mediocre "Big Momma's House" made him a blockbuster bankable, a la Will Smith, Marty Mar's been climbing up the salary ladder: this one ($13 million), The Black Knight ($16 million), and National Security ($20 million). If by-the-numbers performances like the one in this flick are what we can expect from our former Shanene, then uninspired duds are "what's the worst that can happen."

After falling for unemployed British Harvard grad Amber (Carmen Ejogo) in record time, professional thief Kevin Caffery (Lawrence) has her move in with him and everything is hunky dory. That is until rude, unscrupulous, bankrupt business tycoon Max Fairbanks (DeVito) steals a ring from Kevin (that Amber gave him) when Kevin's caught robbing Max's house. From thereon out, the ring becomes the Macguffin, as Kevin goes on a robbing spree of Max's estates in an attempt to make him give back the ring. But the highly superstitious Max engages in a competitive pissing contest of ridiculous proportions, all for control over that one little "lucky" ring.

Despite an eclectic cast, very little stands out. DeVito, in need of a hit, does a decent job being such a bad, rich guy that he cusses on national TV and cheats on his wife with centerfold models. Leguizamo has his moments as Kevin's jittery burglar buddy Berger, relishing the opportunity to play several different disguises (the improv between he and Martin as fake Arabic billionaires is hilarious). With the exception of TV's "Sally Hemings," REEL DEAL crush Carmen Ejogo's stateside work has been mostly reduced to leading man arm charm status, like her work in this and in "Metro" (to Eddie Murphy). William Fichtner (Armageddon), usually cast as military or badasses, takes a ridiculously and unnecessarily scripted effeminate turn as a posing, prissy detective who has a penchant for light suits, white alligator shoes, and lip gloss. I hate to admit it, but he is a riot in that role.

But this movie all comes down to Martin. Seeing how he also served as an executive producer, you can't help but be mad at him. For one, there are plot holes you could drive a semi through. He is clearly on cruise control in this movie, falling back on some of his old TV antics without bringing us fresh charm and charisma expected of a movie star. He's not even as entertaining as he was in "Blue Streak." We, as the audience, his check writers in essence, deserve better. We need to see Martin taking a step in a different direction that will test him a little bit and expand his repertoire. He is clearly on the Eddie Murphy career path, but he won't get Eddie Murphy type respect and work until he challenges himself. Martin could do a hundred of these "Happens" and "Big Momma's Houses" and still not get the continued respect a Will Smith does (could you ever fathom Martin as Ali?). If he keeps this up, Martin Lawrence could become a highly paid yet creatively and commercially bankrupt movie star. What's the worst that could happen? Martin, just ask Sylvester Stallone.

@@ REELS (TWO REELS)
Extra medium.
Like what you read?
Agree/disagree with The Reel Deal?
Think he's talkin' out his...HUSH YO' MOUF! (I'm only talkin' about The Reel Deal!) Email him at ReelReviewz@aol.com!
© 2001, THE REEL DEAL

*****THE REEL DEAL: Reviewz from the Street*****
BIASES: mid 20s black male; frustrated screenwriter who favors action, comedy, and glossy, big budget movies over indie flicks, kiddie flicks, and weepy Merchant Ivory fare
Missed a review? Support those that support THE REEL DEAL - check out all reviews at HBCUnetwork.com!