Plot: What’s it about?
Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawrence) was once a top undercover field agent, going deep into dangerous situations to deliver justice. But that all changed when he met Sherri (Nia Long), who he would later marry and settle down with. As the couple wanted to have a family, Malcolm requested to be taken out of the field and he was given a safer position within the bureau. But he still longs to return to the field and since few are on his level, he knows he could upend the competition. A big case is about to go down, as a list of sensitive documents has been stolen and is to be sold soon to the highest bidder. The bureau has the main suspect as to who has the list, but with the sale looming, a move must be made soon. All attempts to have those close to the suspect talk have failed, but one last chance has presented itself. The suspect is hiring a nanny, so the bureau plans to have their undercover agent score the position and get the needed information. Malcolm knows he is perfect for the mission, but he is turned down. He takes matters into his own hands however, donning the fat suit one more time to turn into Big Momma. But can he not only win the position as nanny, but get the crucial information in time, all while handling the tasks of a full time nanny?
This is, without a doubt, a miserable motion picture. I am by no means a film snob either, but I sat through this one and never laughed once. I was one of the few who actually liked the original, due to an unexplained like of Martin Lawrence at the time. As I watch the original now however, I question what I was thinking, as the movie is mediocre at best. So a sequel doesn’t seem required, but we have one and it is not just bad, it is torture to have to endure this movie. I wanted to shut this one off so often, but I stuck it out and hoped for some relief, only to be greeted with more failed humor. I can appreciate a fat suit as much as anyone, but not to the extent it is used as a crutch here. The writing is weak and even when better films are ripped off, those moments fall flat. I have no clue how this script was given a green light, it is that pathetic. Even worse is Martin Lawrence’s performance, which has probably soured me on his work for the rest of my days. He is so terrible here and you can tell he was given free reign on improvisation, so he wasn’t held back. The direction is as basic and unremarkable as it gets, while smaller roles are given no chance to shine. I hated this movie, plain and simple. I couldn’t recommend Big Momma’s House to anyone. I wouldn’t wish this total entertainment void on my worst enemy, as even the smallest rental store has hundreds of better choices.
Video: How does it look?
Big Momma’s House 2 is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with a full frame option also included on this disc. The print used is very clean, with no serious defects, but there is a tad more grain present than I would like. The nature of the film used causes some grain to be appear, but I expected a cleaner print in that respect. But this never proves to be a huge issue, though some softness is evident at times. Not a worn kind of softness mind you, more of a dreamy haze, but still, I figured this would have a slick, refined visual presence. Even so, the contrast is smooth and colors have a bright, bold appearance. So not as pristine and slick as I expected, but this is still a more than solid visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 is better than expected, with great musical presence and some terrific use of the surrounds. The music is expansive and takes root, which is good news, since it has a prominent role in the film’s audio, to be sure. The surrounds come to life often and add atmosphere to the film, as well as some power in a few scenes. I still wouldn’t recommend this as a demo disc, but it sounds great and really takes the material to its limits, in a good sense. The vocals aren’t lost in the least however, still clean and crisp at all times. This disc also includes Spanish and French language tracks, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
As dedicated as I am to my craft, there was no chance I would suffer through an audio commentary track on this movie. There is one here however, so if you love punishment, feel free to check it out. You’ll also find deleted scenes, a promotional featurette, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
