Tag: Mike Epps

72 HOURS (2026)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Tim Story 

Written By: Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg, Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider 

Cinematography: Larry Blanford 

Editor: Peter S. Elliot 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Mason Gooding, Marcello Hernandez, Kam Patterson, Ben Marshall, Michael Mando, Kevin Dunn, Andy Garcia, Mike Epps, Teyana Taylor, Megan Suri, Zach Cherry, Sophia Del Rio, Katt Williams 

A 40-year-old executive ends up at a three-day bachelor party with twenty-somethings after being mistakenly included in their chat group.

Obviously, this film is critic proof as none are going to critique this for artistic merits. Though at this point one can say this isn’t a good film and is easily forgettable, but for some it will be entertaining for its time. As there are moments that garner a laugh or a chuckle usually do more to gross out humor.

This film seems to be a little more risky as there is a lot more drug humor in this than expected. As the film seeks to push the envelope, but not go over the cliff Like THE HANGOVER. It still seeks to be a little bit more pain.

Though Kevin Hart stars in this film, really you could’ve inserted any actor or comedic actor superstar in the lead role and might’ve had pretty much the same results

As throughout the film, there seems to be plenty of set ups that are not followed through upon and only use for that scene maybe to lead into another scene and that seems to be how recognizable members of the cast are they’re here more for cameos to play a role for a scene maybe two and then they’re out maybe not forgotten but definitely not followed up on they’re there just to play they’re seeing and not really giving any gravity a reason to be there just Moore isn’t that

The story really makes no sense and unfortunately, none of the cast really stands out or makes an impression they go through the motions, but even their banter doesn’t sound like it was improv or even that well written, it seems more standard bad joke writing

Even the characters seem like they’re more outlines and seem lazy and more ready to go as the supporting cast is played by several recognizable members of the current SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast ensemble. you would think they would have something to ad for at least help 

It has a ridiculous cameo at the end for a reveal that definitely feels a bit similar to Kevin Hart’s previous film RIDE ALONG. With an actor who I won’t reveal but at this point feels like he’s under contract to Netflix as he always seems to pop up randomly in their movies.

Can’t say that this film really had a chance as it seems less than inspired and more directed as a mood or in the frame of mind it tries to put you in. It’s so pretty disappointing, popcorn, film, and that may be if you’re under the influence you might be able to find some worth in as truly. The only memorable part of this film is the bachelorette party and that’s about it.

you could definitely skip this one

Grade: D 

BAIT (2000)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Antoine Fuqua 

Written By: Andrew Scheinman & Adam Scheinman and Tony Gilroy 

Cinematography: Tobias Schliessler 

Editor: Alan Edward Ball 

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Doug Hutchinson, David Morse, Kimberly Elise, David Paymer, Jamie Kennedy, Mike Epps, Nestor Serrano, Tia Texada, Robert Pastorelli, Kirk Acevedo, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Jones, Megan Dodd 

An ex-con is used by police to lure a criminal out of hiding.

Though most of the film is a comedy it is filmed slick like an action movie with tons of style, but at turns seems to be more a comedy at heart with dramatic moments.

Hard to believe such veterans of the FBI would so easily get caught up In A drama they are watching, personally. Which offers up an interesting dynamic of how involved you get in watching reality unfold in front of you. So it was even a precursor to how Audiences would react once reality television seemed to take over the airwaves. At least it humanizes the agents involved. 

The film definitely looks state-of-the-art and big-budgeted. That truly showed off what director Antoine Fuqua could do. This is practically a calling card for him and Star Jamie Foxx. As the film is a visual delight, and definitely feels like a big-budgeted action extravaganza.

As it not only showed Foxx’s star quality. Even though not written to his strengths. It seems like the type of film he should be getting chances to star in. That eventually happened and worked out for him. Wish he got offered more films like this (only better written) 

The film also excels thanks to a good cast of veteran actors. Who goes well with the material and Foxx’s acting.

Even though it seemed to be released with little fanfare. It’s not the best but it is interesting and entertaining.

Doug Hutchinson as the villain comes off as if he is impersonating John Malkovich. 

The film has enough thrilling and laugh-out-loud moments of equal measure. That allows for some good action sequences. To live up to the promise of the presentation.

It’s the little movie that could. As it stays small scale due to its budget but feels like a bigger film that it is and where it deserves. 

Grade: C+

NEXT FRIDAY (2000)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Steve Carr
Written By: Ice Cube
Based On Characters Created By: Ice Cube & DJ Pooh
Cinematography By: Christopher Baffa
Editor: Elena Maganini

CAST: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, John Witherspoon, Sticky Fingaz, Don D.C. Curry, Tamala Jones, Lisa Rodriguez, Amy Hill, Clifton Powell, Kym Whitley, Jacob Vargas, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Michael Rappaport 

This time the film follows Craig, as he is sent to live with his uncle in the suburbs. Who has just won the lottery after his nemesis from the first film breaks out of prison to look for him. 

The problem with this film is that there seems to be a void with this film compared to the original. Half the cast is gone. The new cast seems to give it their all but comes up very short. Since most of the cast are comedians. It seems like they are improvising their routines in the context of their scenes. Where the first film had original and inspired comedic characters. This one seems to wallow in stereotypes. It is occasionally humorous but not hilarious. 

The Standout is the character of Pinky Played By Clifton Powell and the female lead Played by Lisa Rodriguez, who is so gorgeous and talented that I am shocked she never went on to bigger and better. Not even smaller roles in big films or indie films. 

 John Witherspoon seems to be being punished for being In this film as he spends most of it running around with dog shit stuck to him. Why? It’s not funny nor does it have anything to further the story along. 

 The film tries but lacks a certain energy that the first film had it tries here to replace it with enthusiasm but it doesn’t work. It was the combined talent used in the first film that made it such a winning success here. Ice Cube loses the original director and Co-star. Who obviously make the crucial difference between the two films.

This is a nice attempt but maybe Ice Cube should have refined it a little before making it. Instead of just taking a first draft and assuming the masses will take what they can get from the franchise. He was partially correct as the film was a hit. Especially with a stoner audience that doesn’t ask too much for the quality, but for regular fans that is a big problem.

The film lacks quality which makes it an empty enterprise. I just don’t find Mike Epps that engaging actor or that funny. So he is a sub-par replacement for the charismatic Chris Tucker as a Sidekick.

The film has its moments but never quite measures up and wise seems more like it is pandering. As it has a good set-up but takes the main characters and leaves them as fish out of water but also cleansing half the characters that made the original great and somewhat identifiable here the characters feel more like caricatures then anything purely there for jokes that don’t work

GRADE: D+

DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (2019)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

dolemite1

 

Directed By: Craig Brewer
Written By: Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski
Cinematography: Eric Steelberg
Editor: Billy Fox
Costume Design: Ruth E. Carter 

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Snoop Dogg, Craig Robinson, Wesley Snipes, Keegan Michael Key, Mike Epps, Tituss Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kodi-Smitt McPhee, Ron Cephas Jones, Chris Rock, Barry Shabaka Henley, Tip T.I. Harris, Leunell, Tasha Smith 


Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.

Continue reading “DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (2019)” →

NINA (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

nina

Written & Directed By: Cynthia Mort
Cinematography By: Mihai Malaimere Jr.
Editor: Josh Rifkin, Mark Helfrich & Susan Littenberg 


Cast: Zoe Saldana,David Oyelowo, Keith David, Ella Joyce, Mike Epps, Ronald Guttman, Ella Thomas, Michael Vartan, Matthew Hoffman 

 

The story of the late jazz musician and classical pianist Nina Simone including her rise to fame and relationship with her manager Clifton Henderson.

Continue reading “NINA (2016)” →