I believe this movie was funny because it shows how we are all screwed up in some way. Steve Martin was a bunged up divorced workaholic who didn't have a single good relationship going on. Queen Latifah was an innocent convict who through her own brilliance found a way to seek a way out of her situation. "Kate" was a depressed divorcee. "Ashley" was an evil person. Even the kids had hang ups. My Lord! How can we compare things like this to hate crimes and opression. I thought Betty White did an excellent parody of a bigoted woman. I do not believe she would go out of her way to hurt someone but rather she shows her own ignorance by her ludicrous comments. If I was like that I think I would feel a sting within myself seeing it from a different vantage point. I have a lot of bigoted people in my big Italian family and I know when the line gets crossed from ignorance to cruelty. The big factor here is how well do we know ourselves? Black or White Brown or Tan or Red or whatever? It was awesome to see how Steve Martin was able to choose his life again. Charlene who was true to herself was crucial in this. She was able to reach him in a way no one else could. In turn Peter (Martin) found it in himself to have a faith in her that he put himself on the line to clear her name. The kids say "dads not the same person...he's cool" Ashley was dealt with on the only level she understood (If not for respect for the person then respect for the pain) As for the black characters in the movie, I really enjoyed the comaraderie at the Sanderson house. People were having fun, not being destructive, there were some awfully hot bodies jumpin around in suits and not a single trash mouth was heard. Maybe not the hero role for any of them but I was genuinely touched by the guy who gave Charlene an encouraging hug when they were all leaving. I saw some raunchiness at the Down Low but I believe it was the quality of life rather than the color of the skin. I have been to some "down low" clubs where a bunch of low-life whites are snorting and smoking and drinking and pointing guns and demoralizing women. That's PEOPLE not skin! And as far as the hiding Charlene...please don't tell me nobody knows what it's like to be in a crazy situation and not know how to handle it. Peter knows shes a con as does his friend. She does not look like a business partner so what are they supposed to do. Charlene is who she is and has made it clear she doesn't care what people think. And by this point I am sure Peter sees what a jerk he was with his preconcieved notions and sees it in his boss as well. So it's freak out time. The fact that the old heiress was so evil in her thinking and commenting I also believe are from being raised in a generation that made kids really think there was something somehow fundamentally different between cultures, especially between the black and white races. Those kids especially in the south were damaged by those horrible lies and to judge them and condemn them only adds to the problem. I believe what Jesus said when he commanded us to "love our enemies" and how we would "heap burning coals" upon their heads when we treat them well. That is the true way to reach out to each other and move beyond the labels and lies and anger and fear. Some people will never get it. But a movie like this spoofs so much of things that we all struggle with. Who is totally free? One group insists the other group has the problem then the first group has a problem with the other group unbelievible!!! This movie was an ouch because it exposed things that exist within all of us. We all have elements of being unable to cultivate relationships, mistrust or fear someone who we don't know or understand. Make judgements and have preconcieved notions. But most of all how to laugh at ourselves and take an honest look at who is really important in our lives. I am sure Peter and Charlene will be forever friends. Justice will at some point prevail, what seems not to work will work well if given a chance. This is so far beyond such simple statements such as "racist" or "bigotry" or even "comedic parody" It is about the world around us. When the old lady smoked a doob with the two guys at the bar that was a delight. Not that it isn't illegal or bad but that she was forced out of her comfort level to that degree and actually was therapeutic in a sense. For some reason after seeing the previews I just went out and bought this film. It is a classic with some of the best in the business. Queen Latifah is extremely brilliant in real life and I am glad she had the tenacity to hold her own and make this movie the wonderful thing that it is. And funny? I almost wet my pants a couple times. I hope that everyone comes to terms with their own internal experience and can bring something of themselves to the hope for a more peaceful future. And finally, Charlene ending up with Howie was the best. He was hot for her and wanted to treat her like a princess. How many women can say that about their men. I bet he was a hell of a lover too. Like I said she is NOT stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Peace to All!!!
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Isaac5855
18 years ago
Betty White was very funny as sort of a female Archie Bunker...I think her bigotry sprung from ignorance not out and out prejudice.
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