Thursday, February 14, 2008

'Roscoe Jenkins' puts humor back in comedy

By Katie Libecco

In a phase of spoofs, "edgy" romantic comedies and over-the-top action movies, I was beginning to wonder if plain, old good movies were being made.

Then I saw "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins."

The film, written and directed by Malcom D. Lee, is an all-around good comedy. It's funny without falling into the trap of trying to push limits, where most comedies have fallen lately. Further, it actually tells a story with meaning, but remains light-hearted.

Surely, the script and the cast are equally responsible for the film's success. Leading the cast is Martin Lawrence as Los Angeles' hottest talk show host. True to his roots, Lawrence relies a lot on physical comedy but also has some very real moments. His girlfriend (and Survivor winner) is break-out actress Joy Bryant.

Their adventure is centered on worlds colliding when the Hollywood couple visits Jenkins' parents’ home in the South.

There, James Earl Jones and Margaret Avery play the parents, all-too-perfect with Southern hospitality and good-natured advice.

The real humor in the film relies on supporting actors Cedric the Entertainer as Roscoe Jenkins' childhood rival Clyde, MIke Epps as cousin Reggie, Michael Duncan Clarke as brother Otis and Mo'nique as sister Betty.

Chemistry and one-liners abound in the film, making it feel the audience was peering in on a real family. This genuine feel definitely has a lot to do with improvisation from the cast.

The film also has a beautiful love story as a the subplot, with Nicole Ari Parker as Jenkins' high school crush, Lucinda.

Other critics have tried to tear down "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins" as being too silly, too obvious. But I think the light-hearted nature of the acting and the sweetness of the story makes for an enjoyable watch. There are few surprises or plot twists, but who walks into this film, knowing the cast, looking for allegory?

"Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins" is an enjoyable movie all-around. It's fun to see the lighter side of Clarke and Jones and there's no denying the humor of the supporting cast. It's not highly intellectual, it's not making a statement about society — it's just a fun movie to watch.