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 Rated: PG-13
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Louis C.K., Nicole Ari Parker, James Earl Jones, Joy Bryant
Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
The outstanding comedy talent in Welcome
Home Roscoe Jenkins had me laughing from start to finish. I enjoyed almost every minute of the fast-paced
wisecracks and ethnic whit. The
supporting cast of comedy players was outstanding and Lawrence is definitely at
the top of his game.
Leading national Talk-Show host RJ
Stevens/Roscoe Jenkins (Lawrence) has not been back to his parent’s home in nine
years. So, along with his fiancé Bianca
(Bryant), a famous Survivor reality show winner, he returns home.
The deep-seeded, hardhearted memories start
flashing through his brain as he greets each of the family members. But, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The real comedy begins when he reunites with
his cousin Clyde (Cedric), who stole his one chance at getting the lovely
Lucinda (Parker). When the two pair off in a family picnic race, there’s no
stopping Roscoe at getting back at Clyde, or so he thinks.
Topping
the comedy with belly bursting laughs are Roscoe’s sister and brothers, Mo’Nique
as Betty, Duncan as Otis and Epps as the smooth talking cousin Reggie. The laughter steps in high gear every time
they interact with Roscoe.
Holding it
all together is papa Jenkins played by veteran actor James Earl Jones. His strong hand with Roscoe, and soft peddling
of cousin Clyde when they were children, sets the extreme competitiveness
between the two relatives.
The film belongs to Lawrence and Bryant, without them it would only be
a whimper of fun. The chemistry between
the two makes the production work. Bianca’s
strong controlling personality is fun to watch as she tames Roscoe’s weakness
for other women and his vibrant lifestyle.
When they arrive at Roscoe’s family home, it’s Bianca who takes charge,
until his brothers and sister try to tame the ‘Survivor’ girl.
The
direction by Lee is extremely good. He keeps the almost two-hour film moving at
a fast pace with non-stop comedic action.
His choice of using a couple of dogs and a skunk to break up the banter
between family members turned out to be a great decision. I never laughed so hard.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins is a
fabulously funny film with a very funny plot that should appeal to all
audiences.
This Reviewer's Rating:    3.5 / 5
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