Cinema review: Bringing Down the House (From Barry And District News)

Cinema review: Bringing Down the House

THE FUNNIEST man in Hollywood during the 80s is back again and he has teamed up with Chicago star Queen Latifah. Yes, Steve Martin is back.

Martin plays a lonely, divorced lawyer who sets up a date with via the Internet.

Unfortunately, Charlene turns out to be an escaped prisoner. She claims she is innocent and persuades him to help her clear her name. But her over-the-top personality becomes his ultimate pet hate.

The film really does have a few decent laughs. But one thing really does get on my nerves - it's the whole early 20th Century black-American slaves topic. Yes, these people were put through hell. Yes, these people were living awful lives. Yes, it was the fault of white people who were inhumane.

And 170 years later, there may still be racism in the world. But can we please grow up and stop this whole "I'm black, my people were slaves so you are white trash" attitude?

"Come on dear, let's go and laugh at the white people" is a line Queen Latifah says during the film. Replace the word "white" with "black" and you'll have the most controversial line in film history.

Also, the film seems to say that meeting people on-line is a good thing and that is really frightening. Hollywood should be setting an example.

Anyway, back to the film and apart from all the racist jibes, it's quite good. Martin and Latifah are both on top form, despite Martin being a bit repetitive at times. There's nothing original going on, but it's just a fun ride with a few decent laughs.