Review of:Bad Company (2002)
Director:Joel Schumacher
Rating:PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action, some sensuality and language
Starring:Chris Rock, Anthony Hopkins, Gabriel Macht, John Slattery, Peter Stormare
Chris Rock stars as Jake Hayes, a bookie who can get you any ticket that you need for a price. Jake is a man who has; charisma, street smarts, and a mind that can be as sharp as a tack. With all these qualities the day to day tussle brings
only low income, and a girlfriend that is ready for the next step in their relationship.
Like a moth to a beacon comes Gaylord Oakes (played by Anthony Hopkins). He is in need of Jake Hayes as a replacement for an agent that just happens to be Jakes long lost brother. While living his brother was the middle man on a buy. He was on the verge of purchasing some very dangerous weapons that could be deadly if in the wrong hands.
The hook to the film is supposed to be that you have this street wise punk trying to act like a sophisticated, charming art dealer. To top it off he only has a little over a week to make the change and to make it convincing enough that everyone will fall for it. With that in mind this question arises? Is it as fun as it could be to watch Chris Rock try to make the transformation? No. It could be much better, but it does leave you with enough comedic moments to keep you into the film. When you add the fact that you have the extremely talented Anthony Hopkins in the film it makes it almost worthwhile. Almost.
The performance by Anthony Hopkins is mostly wasted in this film. Why have an actor of that caliber as the straight man to a comic that half the time isn't bringing the audience to laughter? Chris Rock does an average job as Jake Hayes. Some of the everday situations that he is presented with are funny. For example when his alter ego is faced with an ex girlfriend (Garcelle Beauvias of The Jamie Foxx show), who just happens to be gorgeous, you can appreciate his wavering commitment.
For the most part this film is a giant let down because of the known ability of the actors.
