b-madarasz Reviews

Ali (2001)

I didn't realize Smith's acting until later

[9 January 2004]

Went to the theater expecting a Will Smith movie of a sort... For half the movie all I could see was Smith trying to be Ali, acting, recreating a persona and mannerisms from old television footage. Left the theater on a low note thinking, where was the catchy signature Rap that usually plays on the credit roll (Wa Wa, West, Wild West.)

I didn't realize how brilliant the "FP" was until I got home and happened to catch "Classic Fights" on ESPN. Ali was fighting and all I could think to myself was, man, that guy looks a lot like Will Smith...

Pootie Tang (2001)

"Tang" needs a second look here...

[4 August 2003]

I'm more into classic drama and the epic scene, but when I do get into a comedy it has to be absolutely senseless. I don't want to see any formulaic structure from the drama side of things crossing over - which a lot of Holly-comedies have - it has to take on its own form and the Chris Rock produced "Tang" does that. The cheese fact is a perfect 10 on the scale and the creative powers that be told this story with precision. I believe this will be a cult classic, not to mention it far out played "Undercover Brother" which was released on a healthier production and marketing budget that same year. Chris Rock should be proud of his producer role and Lance Crouther was the funniest black-man stereotype I've ever seen. Finally, I remember going to a Blockbuster a few years back with some friends to buy the DVD, it was such a cult hit that some kid had stole the disk and left the DVD jacket on the for sale shelf... That says something. True stupidity is an acquired taste which only few can actually understand. And I would bet a few Franks that comedic geniuses are serious people 90 percent of the time. But when they let loose, look out.