Film Reviews

Little Man

• Rating:
• Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
• Starring: Kerry Washington
• Details: US 90mins (12A).

"I'm surrounded by morons" Chazz Palminteri laments in this dire attempt at a comedy. I know how he feels: no one will find this film funny - even its writer/director Keenen Ivory Wayans will struggle to garner a smirk. The man who brought you White Chicks and Scary Movie 1 and 2 is back with another inept attempt at slapstick. Or alternative comedy. Or whatever he might call it. To me, it's an alternative to comedy. Marlon Wayans plays Calvin, a vertically challenged criminal who masquerades as a baby to retrieve a stolen diamond he stashes in Vanessa's (Washington) purse. To get it back, he disguises himself as a baby with the hope of infiltrating the home of Vanessa and her husband Darryl (Shawn Wayans).However, retrieving the diamond proves harder than first thought, and Darryl begins to develop feelings for the 'baby'. You really don't need me to go into the jokes here, as you probably know them already (and have seen them in the famous Chuck Jones Bugs Bunny cartoon).Who exactly is this film for? It can't be for kids with the frequent breast and sexual references, teens have overdosed on the old 'kick in the nads' routine since Jackass gorged themselves, and adults will think this is lamer than a three-legged donkey with a stone in its hoof. It comes down to two questions: do you find little people and scat jokes funny? If so, go see this film. Then seek medical help.

Review by Gavin Burke