Review of:Bringing Down the House (2003)
Director:Adam Shankman
Rating:PG-13 for language, sexual humor and drug material
Starring:Queen Latifah, Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, Joan Plowright, Missi Pyle
Bringing Down The House is a new film by Steve Martin and Queen Latifah that allows you the viewer a seat at the epicenter of the hilarity. When the cold, buttoned downed Martin meets the hot spiciness of Latifah the only thing left to do is hold on to your seat when their two cultures collide.
Peter Sanderson (Steve Martin) a divorced lawyer who is still in love with his wife (Jean Smart) decides to try to move on with his life. He has been meeting a woman over the Internet that he believes to be a lawyer like himself. When they finally set up a date to meet each other in person he finds out that the woman he believed to be "Lawyer Girl" is actually Charlene Morton (Queen Latifah) who has recently released herself from prison. Charlene proclaims herself to be innocent of the crime, and asks for Peter's help in finding the real criminal, something that Peter really doesn't want to do.
The film really tries to showcase the differences in two cultures, and uses the stereotypes that reside in both of them to showcase that point. It's been done before in other movies, but not as successful as this one does. The team of Martin and Latifah has good chemistry between them that shows throughout the film somewhat, and helps to make the ride a pleasant one. If you compare this film up against some of Steve Martin's earlier films like "The Jerk" or "The Man With Two Brains" it doesn't quite live up to those high standards. It does however at times come close at times if only for brief flashe. Queen Latifah adds to her up and coming movie credits with a starring role along side an accomplished actor. She had a supporting role in "Broadway" which has brought more recognition to her talents, and this is a vehicle that can't hurt her in the least.
The best lines in the film easily go to Howie Rosenthal (Eugene Levy) who is best known for being the father in American Pie. His deadpan deliver of phrases, as "You got me straight trippin boo," is hilarious. The rest of the supporting cast in general enhances the performances and look for Mrs. Kline (Betty White of Golden Girl fame) to add a bit of straight from the hip comedy to seal the goods on this one.
Director Adam Shankman (A Walk To Remember) ties all the appropriate knots to make this an enjoyable film. He gives the actors the opportunity to show their stuff, and it comes through strong at the end
