MO' MONEY
A film review by Too FAT Guys
Copyright 1992 by Roger & Me
Roger: A long time ago, I vowed never to see a movie whose trailer
included a list of soundtrack artists. The way I figure it, if
the producer can't dredge up enough decent clips for a preview,
the movie can't be very good.
Roger: You would do well to listen to yourself.
Roger: Yes. Theaters started showing trailers for MO' MONEY about two months ago with a prominent screen enumerating all of the artists on the soundtrack. Ironically, the soundtrack provided the second funniest line in the movie.
Roger: The scintillating Jam and Lewis soundtrack aside, this comedy- action-romance-with-a-twist-of-social-conscience portrays the story of a young man, Johnny Stewart (Damon Wayans) and his brother, Seymour (Marlon Wayans), two inner-city hustlers. When Johnny meets an attractive credit card company executive, he decide to find a real job to attract her. The story becomes interesting when Johnny becomes unwillingly involved in an elaborate scheme of crime credit card fraud.
Roger: However, this all seems to be a bit beyond this director. And
who is the director, Roger?
Roger: I forgot to write it down and I can't remember ... saves me the
trouble of trying to forget about him later.
Roger: Ooh, you're mean.
Roger: Thank you.
Roger: Anyway, most of the obvious comedy effort is expended in the
several scam scenes (a la "In Living Color"). These seem
universally pointless and especially unfunny. But maybe I just
don't get it....
Roger: Pathetically unfunny, even. I've been fond of Damon Wayans's
other work, but he couldn't recreate the comedic magic that
makes "In Living Color" work so well. In fact, several of the
bits are very derivative of his work on ILC.
Roger: The action, as well, seems rather flaccid.
Roger: Don't you mean the romance?
Roger: Yes, but I'll get to that later. Aside from being unconvincing
and unrealistic beyond suspension of disbelief, the action is
cliched. I don't think they used a single original stunt.
Roger: Not that I remember. The action was sort of a cross between
DIE HARD and THE LAST BOY SCOUT. Of course, in those movies
I was willing to believe that the protagonist was capable of
amazing feats. Street hustlers have never impressed me as
being very Rambo-esque. Didn't you have something to say about
the romance?
Roger: Oy. Don't even get me started.
Roger: But how could you pass up commenting on such a cornucopia of
misogyny? After all, a good part of the supposed comedy
involves Damon and Marlon avoiding the advances of the
"Godzilla" woman. You'd think they could just say no. I guess
that wouldn't have been funny though.
Roger: Either, you mean.
Roger: Oh, yes. My mistake. In addition, all the male characters in
the movie view women as money-grubbing hoes.
Roger: Not to mention, the actual relationship of the film was carried
out almost entirely in the form of an MTV montage. Even the
obligatory love scene was filmed through shower glass. As if
blurry images and grainy film make for great romance.
Roger: Even so, the film wasn't a total bust. After all, there's the
twist of social conscience.
Roger: Yes, it does have some sad commentary on the results of Reagan's voodoo economics. For instance, while holding a full-time job, Johnny can't make ends meet until he supplements his income through illegal means.
Roger: In fact, the movie's portrayal of inner city living seems
relatively accurate. It's good to see films whose
African-American characters are not stamped from the same
prejudiced cliche'. Unfortunately, without a plot to support
this film's one redeeming quality, I have to give it a thumbs
down.
Roger: I think there is a little more to be said for the positive
aspects of this film. For instance, a couple of the minor
characters were handled competently and Marlon showed potential
in his screen debut. But overall, I have to agree with you,
Roger. I give this film a thumbs down.
Roger: So, two thumbs down for MO' MONEY. Or should I say, "Hated It!"?
That's all for now -- the tty is closed.
.
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