Steve Martin's latest is disappointing

[George Bellefontaine]

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

Stars Steve Martin, Queen Latifah , Jean Smart and Eugene Levy. Basic plot concerns an escaped con ( Latifah) who forces herself on straightlaced, uptight lawyer ( Martin) in order to get him to help her prove her innoncence. The sudden change in Martin's character that sees this happen was just not credible. But what the hey. It's supposed to be a comedy.

Well, I was hoping for even a hint of the old Steve Martin from SNL and films like The Main With Two Brains, The Jerk, etc/, but it just wasn't to be. In one scene where he dresses and acts like a hiphop character, you can see an effort and a slight twinkle of the old Steve, but it was all too strained. In fact, most of the humor in this poorly written film is strained. And Steve has obviously had some cosmetic work done. His eyes looked like two slits in a porcelain mask.
Latifah was okay, but the young lady who played Jean Smart's sister ( I don't know her name and can't check because I have returned the rental dvd) was well worth the rental. She didn't have a big role, but whenever she was on camera she stole the scene. She was FunNy. Got a feeling we'll be seeing more of her

If you've got nothing better to do for 105 minutes and are a Martin fan, you will probably be okay with this film. Just don't expect any gut-busting comedy from ol' Steve.

:2:




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[Andrew Pratt]

I totally agree george.

[John Holmes]

I felt a tad different! :LOL: I thought this was an enjoyable film. While it was not even close to Steve's best work, I think he ( like Dan Akroyd) has adjusted to the times. As I am a big fan of "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" and "The Jerk" I was a little disappointed with his character, but as the film went on, I began to like the character.

I wouldn't mind seeing it again.




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[David Meek]

You guys haven't scared me off yet. I like Steve Martin a lot, but the real reason I want to see this flick is because of Queen Latifah. I think she's one of the freshest, most talented youngsters (movie experience-wise) in Hollywood.




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[John Holmes]

David,

I agree with you about the "Queen". Her hollywood appeal, has grown considerably. I thought she did an excellent job in "Living out Loud". She has grown into quite an actress. She does a good job with this role as well. Though it isn't as complex as some of her earlier work.




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[George Bellefontaine]

Didn't mean to scare you off, Tex. If you like Martin, you will probably be okay with this flick. I just found the material wanting. As for the Queen, she was okay with what she had to work with. But get a load of the actress the Queen has a knock-down-drag-'em-out fight with. She is someone to watch.




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[Burke Strickland]

Thanks for the heads up. If Bringing Down the House (BDTH) is not the same style of comedy as Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid and The Jerk, it might be worth checking out. :>) I really prefer some of Steve Martin's other work including Roxanne, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Parenthood and Bowfinger. I guess I'm going to have to give BDTH a spin to see where it falls in the Martin oeuvre.

Burke
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[Dean McManis]

I probably pass on renting this movie. Steve Martin's movies have always been hit or miss, with more of them missing lately (even though I like his comedy talent).