Bringing Down the House

Steve Martin and Queen Latifah (and Eugene Levy) are an odd combo, but certainly a funny one! Coming out in 2003, "Bringing Down the House" was a movie about two different worlds coming together; probably not the first, and the result is some hilarity! Steve Martin plays a divorced lawyer trying to juggle his work-life and spending time with his two kids, and Queen Latifah is an escaped prisoner (as you probably already know). The plot of Martin's lawyer trying to find love and unexpectedly running into Latifah's straight-up "sister" personality results in a pretty hilarious film! Add in Eugene Levy's "down white guy" persona, and you have the makings of some very funny moments! Some may argue that this film relies too much on typical plot lines, "been-there-done-that" routines, and stereotypes, but that's not the case.

This movie is a very funny and enjoyable romp. Meaningless fun. A laugh out loud. Don't get me wrong, Steve Martin does shine especially in the scene where his daughter is relaying the events of a party that a dad just doesn't want to hear. Following Latifa's character's advice to stay cool to gain her trust, he bites his tongue and instead of going mad, says, "That was some party"! Overall, 'Bringing Down The House' is funny and very entertaining film that you will not regret watching, although it could have been a little better with a better script, the acting was brilliant all round, and it does work pretty well, especially with Steve Martin as the main character who is very funny as usual.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

OK, so the white-yuppie-and-black-ghetto-person-joining-up idea has been used a number of times in movies, but the dialog between Steve Martin and Queen Latifah makes this one worthwhile. Probably the best scenes are Betty White's nasty comments, Queen Latifah teaching Missi Pyle a lesson, Steve Martin dressed - and attempting to talk - like a rapper (especially because of what Joan Plowright ends up doing in that scene), and of course, Eugene Levy's statements ending with "Boo". "Bringing Down the House" really does bring down the house. Completely silly, but fun nevertheless.

Who ever would have imagined Joan Plowright (aka Laurence Olivier's widow) doing what she did and saying what she said in the rapper scene?

If the idea of one of the "whitest" comedians in Hollywood (Martin) teaming up with one of the "blackest" divas (Latifah) appeals to you, then you might enjoy "Bringing Down the House". The film has Martin as a divorced tax attorney while Latifah plays a jailbird on the run who needs an attorney to prove her innocence and gives Martin plenty of "tude" along with some lessons in getting real as they raucously wend their way through countless comedic contrivances. Personally I enjoyed this busy top-of-the-marquee comedy romp a lot. However, it requires being able to find humor in the juxtaposition of Martin and Latifah which, judging from comments elsewhere on this website, not everyone did. (B)

This film, although badly reviewed by many people, proves to be a fun time at the movies. Adam Shankman and Jason Filardi have teamed up to give the viewers lots of laughs. It's hard not to be amused by what's being presented even though it might not be the greatest, or the funniest picture.

Queen Latifah has more charisma in her ample body than any other actress working in American films these days. She never gives a bad performance. This is quite a stretch from her role in Chicago; in fact, she steals the film with her charm. She can hold up her own against her co-star.

Steve Martin seems to blend himself into this joke of a lawyer, who is so uptight and anal that he never has enough time for his children. He has some hysterical scenes at the hip hop club playing an Eminem-type character, outdancing everyone. Mr. Martin's experience in the chat room brings him a lot more than he bargained for: the irrisistible Charlene, who turns his life upside down.

Eugene Levy has some bright moments as Steve Martin's friend in the firm. Joan Plowright repeats herself into the role of the ogre with a heart of gold, once she loosens up with the right kind of smoke. The rest of the cast is good, working with the material they're given to perform.

If you are trying to get away from the horrible news being bombarded at us these days, this is the film for you.

I loved this movie!It was so funny I broke out in laughter six or seven times through the movie.Steve Martin's wise cracks keep the movie entertaining,and the acting and plot are great.I enjoyed this movie alot.Queen Latifah is great with her tough biker chick role,beating up women AND men that give her a hard time.I hope black people did'nt take offense to this movie,because in a way it mocked black people.It's just a very funny enjoyable movie,not to be taken seriously or offensive.I loved every minute of it!