Big Momma's House

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Paul Giamatti, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Jascha Washington, Ella Mitchell, Carl Wright, Octavia Spencer, Cedric the Entertainer
Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Action
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: An FBI Agent (Martin Lawrence) goes undercover as Big Momma to track down an escaped convict.

Review:

Tim: This should come as no surprise, but Big Momma's House isn't a very good film. I'm not sure there any real doubt about this fact. We have Martin Lawrence playing an FBI Agent who apparently loves disguises and makeup, and playing dress up (not that there's anything wrong with that, but I was led to believe this by that opening sequence). To try and get information out of a convict's ex-girlfriend, he goes undercover and dresses up as a large, old woman. Hilarity is obviously supposed to ensue.

I get that there's some cleverness to the idea- especially because Lawrence in "Big Momma" make up actually looks a little like the woman he's replacing. Plus, it's an obvious vehicle for a lot of Lawrence's brand of comedy. It's an interesting idea that has some legitimate comedy potential. So, while the film looked stupid from the outset, I give it some credit for coming up with a fun premise.

Here's my biggest problem with the film- the whole thing is completely illogical. I'm not suggesting that Lawrence couldn't convince someone he was Big Momma- he looks pretty realistic in the make up. The problem is that he is impersonating a real person, and no one in her life realizes they are dealing with someone else. This is so absurd. It's one thing to convince someone who hasn't seen you in a decade plus (even this would be a stretch), but in this film, Lawrence's character convinces Big Momma's friends and acquaintances that he is her. Add in the fact that he acts nothing like her, and it's even harder to believe. I really don't understand why the script took this approach. The movie would have been more believable if he was impersonating someone who just moved to an area or didn't have close friends. The way it all unfolds in this film is just stupid.

What's even worse is that the script has no problem taking the story to ridiculous lengths. It's one thing to impersonate an elderly woman, it's another thing to have that elderly woman take on teenagers in basketball, and bust out some truly sick basketball skills. At one point, "Big Momma" actually dunks in a regulation hoop. Martin Lawrence is 5'7''- plus, add on all the extra "Big Momma" weight, and this scene stretches the limits of our incredulity far too much. This scene added nothing (except maybe appealing to idiotic teens) and hurt the overall movie.

I will say that Martin Lawrence is at least game for the role. He certainly brings a lot of energy to the part. I actually thought he was decent in the film. I also liked seeing Nia Long, although her performance left a lot to be desired. Paul Giamatti was an odd choice for Lawrence's partner, but his presence was welcome. I liked this movie a lot better than I would have if it didn't have Giamatti in it. I also enjoyed Terrence Howard as the villain. Add in small roles by Anthony Anderson, Octavia Spencer, and Cedric the Entertainer, and the cast is easily one of the best parts of the whole film.

So, while this movie isn't atrocious, there's just too much wrong with it. The story is implausible and predictable, and the movie is far too short on laughs. Big Momma's House is a film I certainly recommend skipping.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5.5



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