This movie received tons of mixed reviews and didn't pan out at the box office. I think it was very underappreciated. Not only is this a feel-good comedy--no sex, no violence, very little profanity--but it will move you as well. I think this is one movie that focuses on a particular minority that actually has a universal theme. This family could've been white, Hispanic, Japanese. It doesn't matter. Everyone can relate. This is not a degrading, stereotypical account of a poorly educated, low income African-American family living in the ghetto.
Let me start off by complimenting the multi-talented cast. I don't think you could've picked a much better ensemble of African-American performers. LL Cool J is really good as the bitter, cynical ex-alcoholic who becomes even more bitter after hearing the news of his father's death. Along with Ice Cube, I think LL is one of our most gifted rapper-turned-actors. He delivers one of his best performances in this movie. I was amused by Whoopi Goldberg, not because she exercised her trademark schtick, but because she delivers an amazingly subdued performance and pretty much takes on the role of the straight person. You can say she is the one civilized person in the family. Whoopi's one of those wonderful actresses who proves to be as effective in her comic roles as she is her dramatic roles. Loretta Divine plays Whoopi's sister, and she gives--next to "Waiting to Exhale"--one of her best performances. Underrated comic actor Anthony Anderson is hilarious as a stressed-out husband now despised by his wife after being suspected of cheating on her. Anderson has become a rising star, ever since his hilarious star-making appearance in "Me Myself and Irene," and I keep hoping to see him in more and more movies. Jada Pinkett-Smith is over-the-top as his suspicious wife. Not one of her best performances. Though Anderson's character cheated on her, you feel more sorry for him having to hear her mouth 24/7. Darius McRary (from TV's "Family Matters") is quite good, and he can have a successful career in film. He plays a role very different from Eddie Winslow, as a chain-smoking, alcoholic smooth-talker who's very bold with the ladies. To add to the talents are Cedric the Entertainer, Vivica A. Fox and Richard Gant.
The film is filled with good humor and belly laughs, but it's the overall message of family values that makes it even stronger. The film focuses on a well-to-do family of nice, decent people. But they have problems. There's tension. There's chaos. And it takes the passing-on of a nasty but beloved family member to bring them together. Conflicts arise and eventually get resolved. But it's not done in a forced Hollywood fashion. There are moments of truth that are beautifully touching and poignant. And you fall in love with each and every one of these characters. The director, writers and actors do a great job at manipulating its audience's emotions.
"Kingdom Come" is smart, funny and touching. I definitely suggest people check out this underrated film and I definitely suggest familes watch it together. Trust me, you'll all be in tears in a big group hug.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
Let me start off by complimenting the multi-talented cast. I don't think you could've picked a much better ensemble of African-American performers. LL Cool J is really good as the bitter, cynical ex-alcoholic who becomes even more bitter after hearing the news of his father's death. Along with Ice Cube, I think LL is one of our most gifted rapper-turned-actors. He delivers one of his best performances in this movie. I was amused by Whoopi Goldberg, not because she exercised her trademark schtick, but because she delivers an amazingly subdued performance and pretty much takes on the role of the straight person. You can say she is the one civilized person in the family. Whoopi's one of those wonderful actresses who proves to be as effective in her comic roles as she is her dramatic roles. Loretta Divine plays Whoopi's sister, and she gives--next to "Waiting to Exhale"--one of her best performances. Underrated comic actor Anthony Anderson is hilarious as a stressed-out husband now despised by his wife after being suspected of cheating on her. Anderson has become a rising star, ever since his hilarious star-making appearance in "Me Myself and Irene," and I keep hoping to see him in more and more movies. Jada Pinkett-Smith is over-the-top as his suspicious wife. Not one of her best performances. Though Anderson's character cheated on her, you feel more sorry for him having to hear her mouth 24/7. Darius McRary (from TV's "Family Matters") is quite good, and he can have a successful career in film. He plays a role very different from Eddie Winslow, as a chain-smoking, alcoholic smooth-talker who's very bold with the ladies. To add to the talents are Cedric the Entertainer, Vivica A. Fox and Richard Gant.
The film is filled with good humor and belly laughs, but it's the overall message of family values that makes it even stronger. The film focuses on a well-to-do family of nice, decent people. But they have problems. There's tension. There's chaos. And it takes the passing-on of a nasty but beloved family member to bring them together. Conflicts arise and eventually get resolved. But it's not done in a forced Hollywood fashion. There are moments of truth that are beautifully touching and poignant. And you fall in love with each and every one of these characters. The director, writers and actors do a great job at manipulating its audience's emotions.
"Kingdom Come" is smart, funny and touching. I definitely suggest people check out this underrated film and I definitely suggest familes watch it together. Trust me, you'll all be in tears in a big group hug.
My score: 7 (out of 10)