Tag: Marc Lawrence

HOT STUFF (1979)

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Directed By: Dom Deluise 

Written By: Donald E. Westlake and Michael Kane

Cinematography: James Pergola 

Editor: Neil Travis 

Cast: Dom Deluise, Jerry Reed, Suzanne Pleshette, Ossie Davis, Luis Avalos, Marc Lawrence, Richard Davalos, Alfie Wise, Barney Martin, Sydney Lassick, Bill McCutcheon, Pat McCormick 

Three cops try to set up a sting by establishing their own Fencing operation. They have less than complete support from above and as they begin mingling more and more with the underworld elements decide to finance the operation through re-selling some of the proceeds.

Watching this movie is the equivalent of watching an old failed sitcom. As this unfortunately is a very disposable movie. 

As soon as you are finished watching. It’s easily forgettable. It would be a streaming original these days.

It has an eclectic yet noteworthy cast and a plot that is cute but hardly noteworthy. Which is a shame as it is one of the few movies lead actor Dominique Deluise not only starred in but has his kids in.

It’s rare to see Jerry Reed in a movie where he gets the girl. Other than that the movie is supposed to be of its own time though seems even corny and behind for when it was released or way too comfortable with a studio comedy that plays more like a TV movie.

There is truly only one memorable scene in the whole film and it’s when Don’s character tries marijuana for the first time.

As a fan of Dom DeLuise, one of my favorite comedic actors. It feels like never got the proper respect or the right projects to truly show his brilliance. Even as he seems to have said yes, to way too many projects, unworthy of his true talents, and hoping for a breakthrough he still gave his all. Unfortunately, this led to watering down his own brand.

Unfortunately, this film isn’t one of the better projects, even though he directed this project as he gets his moments, but this film seems more devoted to other actors and characters throughout the film.

It feels a bit like a home video. This feels like a film that was much more fun to make and have fun with behind the scenes. Then what is on the screen. Dom Deluise even cast his real-life wife and children at the time as his family and various roles. 

The film has truly over-the-top performances at times while others are understated and it’s quite a product of its time includes a big set piece at the end that tries to make up for all of the shortcomings and include most of the characters we have seen throughout.

This is a caper comedy where much of the enjoyment of the film is centered around the camaraderie of the characters and the quirky characters that come in and out of the shop and they form a relationships with. There is a little action. Everything here feels a bit familiar good for the times, but watching it now is a little bit out of date but it tries. As it’s just silly

Grade: C

MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (2005)

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Directed By: John Pasquin
Written By: Marc Lawrence 
Based on Characters Created by: Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford & Caryn Lucas 
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr. 
Editor: Garth Craven 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Regina King, Enrique Murciano, William Shatner, Ernie Hudson, Heather Burns, Diedrich Bader, Treat Williams, Abraham Benrubi, Nick Offerman, Eileen Brennan, Octavia Spencer, Elisabeth Rohm, Stephen Tobolowsky, Leslie Grossman, Eve Gordon, Affion Crockett, Adam LeFevre 

F.B.I. Agent Gracie Hart is assigned to promote the F.B.I., touring with the brutal Agent Sam Fuller as her bodyguard. While traveling around the country, her friend and the Miss United States Cheryl Frasier is kidnapped along with Stan Fields, and Gracie decides to investigate the abduction in Las Vegas on her own, and against the direct orders of local F.B.I. Assistant Director Walter Collins. 

After the surprise success and enjoyment of the first film. Most I can imagine would think this would naturally be pleasing? No

First of all the series gets rid of Benjamin Bratt’s character and all hope of a love interest with him. So that this film can focus on more two mismatched partners working together. While taking matters differently. So in other words this becomes more of a buddy comedy with the audience having a history with at least one of the partners.

In the first film, it seems there was more room for side characters to make their mark. As they seemed to have something to do and were allowed to be as funny as the lead. Instead of just feeling like suspects and a plot device.

Sandra Bullock’s performance here seems more indebted to vaudeville. As she is more at the center of things but also seems more silly and wants to dress up in silly disguises.

Regina king is really the only one who has a chance to come through with her head held high. In making this a buddy comedy, just a more female-centered one that feels more predictable than the first film but also more stilted and outdated even for the time period in which it was made.

The film doesn’t feel as fun or silly as Ms. Bullock’s performance and the fun she seems to be having. Even as the situations and script get sillier. As do William Shatner and the usually hilarious Heather Burns in their roles.

As usual when a formulaic film is likable and comes as a surprise enjoyable hit. The sequel tries to replicate the formula all wrong. As it seems to be focusing on the wrong chemistry and elements. Leaving the product lacking in flavor that the first one brought that made audiences enjoy it in the first place.

It’s a shame as Regina king is a good and enjoyable actress, especially with the right material. But this is the second sequel where she plays a tough-as-nails thankless buddy in a buddy comedy that is bad (LEGALLY BLONDE 2 Is the other) she deserves better.

One can guess most of us expected the same from Sandra Bullock as she seems such a likable screen presence and films she stars in are usually enjoyable and passable but her me while she seems to be having fun. Watching this feels like the equivalent of homework

Grade: C-