mawhite2001 Reviews

The Corruptor (1999)

Finally,a good U.S. starring vehicle for the talanted Chow Yun Fat.

[25 February 2001]

After watching Chow struggle uncomfortably through his U.S. debut film "The Replacement Killers" I was pleased to see him back in form with this follow-up film "The Corruptor".This time Chow is a Chinatown cop who is partnered with a white cop played by Mark Walhberg,an undercover from Internal Affairs investigating Chintown corruption.In the process of the investigation Walhberg confront his demons from the past and struggles between his loyality towards Chow (who turns out to be a corrupt cop) ,and his I.A. unit.This angle makes this film a cut above your standard action fare and a perfect vehicle for Chow's talent.

The Replacement Killers (1998)

Disappointing U.S. film debut for the otherwise great Chow Yun Fat.

[25 February 2001]

From the first moment I saw Chow Yun Fat in John Woo's "The Killer" in the early 90's, I became a big fan of the works of both men.So when I heard that Woo was going to executive produce Chow's U.S. debut film,I was really looking forward to seeing it.Watching the film was a totally different story.While Antoine Fuqua is a talented director with a visual style similar to that of Woo, the whole film seems empty at the core with Chow delivering his worst performance since Woo's "A Better Tomorrow,Part 2".The otherwise cool Chow appears to be uncomfortable in his acting and delivering his lines in English.The only thing that saves this film from being a total waste are the woderfully staged action pieces that are on the level of Woo's best work as a director.I also found that while I thought Mira Servino out of place in a film like this,she is such a doll it didn't bother me after a while.While not a bad film,it could've been better.To see a more relax performance from chow in a U.S. film,check out his follow-up film "The Corruptor".

The Cable Guy (1996)

It Just Was'nt Dark Enough

[16 February 2001]

For a long time I have noticed that the major Hollywood studios have no idea how to make a good dark comedy and this film is a perfect example of that.The film teeters unevenly between the usual silliness of Carrey's performance and near dark comic moments which I found unsatifying.And the "happy" ending was a real cop-out(typical Hollywood mentality at work once again).Lovers of this film who accuse those of us who did'nt of being disappointed because it was not another "Ace Ventura" or "Dumb and Dumber" seem to miss the point.The point is that when you make a dark comedy you should go all the way with the dark humor and not hold back for the sake of a "happy" ending or trying to please everyone.

Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)

Worthless,disappointing sequel.

[14 February 2001]

I watched this film the other night on video wondering beforehand if it would live up to the previous "Nutty Professor" film which I think is Eddie Murphy best film since the underrated "Coming to America".Boy was I disappointed to see that this lame sequel is pretty much more of the same from the previous film.Nothing but toilet humor throughout and it adds nothing original as far as humor whatsoever.I realize that low brow humor is "in" nowadays thanks to films likes "There's Something About Mary" and "American Pie"(both superior films),but if it is'nt funny or clever it just sits there like a lump with nothing but the sounds of crickets in the background.With sucsess of this film there will certianly be another sequal made. Hopefully someone will put together a better script that does'nt depend so much on the constant toilet humor that marred this film...yea,right.

Sanford and Son (1972–1978)

One of the best comedies of all time.

[8 February 2001]

In 1972 following the success of "All in the family",Norman Lear created this classic sitcom based on the British series "Steptoe and Son".The premise of both series are the same (the story of a cranky junk dealer and his long suffering son).Veteran stand-up comic Redd Foxx was perfectly casted as Fred G. Sanford and newcomer Demond Wilson as son Lamont.Although the quality of the writing suffered during the final season,the quality of the series was equal to that of "All in the family".If you have not seen this series yet and are lucky enough to get TV land,be sure to check this classic out for yourself.

Slaughter (1972)

Thank goodness for Directv...

[7 February 2001]

...because I've been able to watch this film and other great blaxploitation classics.The plot is pretty basic for this genre(the tough black hero avenges the death of his loved one and kick some "whitey" butt in the process).Although the film seems dated,the action pieces more than make up for it.Jim Brown shows a limited range as an actor,but Rip Torn is great as the slimy mobster & Stella Stevens is hot as always as the girlfriend.

Which Way Is Up? (1977)

Check out this underrated film.

[9/10 · 6 February 2001]

Between 1975 and 1978,Richard Pryor was at the top of his creative game and this 1977 film was one of his best and one of his most underrated.In this film,Pryor assumes three roles(a fruit picker turned corporate flunky,his randy father and a shady preacher).A must see for any pryor fan.I recently saw this film again on BET Movies and I laughed just as hard as I did on the first viewing in 1977.Check it out.