Top Box Office Movies - Undercover Brother

Undercover Brother (2002) Universal Pictures
1 hr. 31 mins.
Starring: Eddie Griffin, Dave Chappelle, Denise Richards and Chris Kattan.
Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee

Undercover Brother

Rating:

E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI

Photo: Universal Pictures

A stern warning should be given to all movie-goers before screening ‘Undercover Brother’; that warning is to simply suspend disbelief and have a good time. Forget about analyzing the films for it’s’ morale, discount any such motives to extract meaning and afterthought. The reason you might ask is because there are none. If these simple rules are followed, then the viewer will have had a great time with this very funny film.

Eddie Griffin (Double Take, The New Guy) has graced our screens many times in the past; unfortunately, these roles have been secondary characters with little or no substance to them. In this instance, Griffin gets the due recognition he deserves. He portrays Anton Jackson, a slick, smooth talking, ‘stuck in the 70’s’ kind of guy who just so happens to be the world’s greatest spy. In terms of plot, you can derive your own conclusions about the wafer-thin plot that has many holes and causes for disequilibrium on more than one occasion.

Despite that detriment, the film is neatly tucked into three acts which at only 91 minutes in duration, causes for a sour second act that is quite tedious and unfunny. Yet, the film is basically linked from one scene to another as there are no correlations to previous scenes. Each scene builds upon the next resulting in a quick film that straggles only when attempting to build up a weak climactic battle. Yet, we know what we are in for when we screen a film of this capacity. We are simply in attendance for the laughs and that is what we get. A hilarious climax ensues pitting villainous Mr. Feather (the innocuous and misplaced Chris Kattan) against our soulful Undercover Brother in a serenading of Michael Jackson’s ‘Just Beat it” before the final showdown.

The script has an exaggerated premise in which an unidentified figurehead attempts at ridding the world out of the African-American train of thought. Rap Music, funky bell bottoms and afro hair styles are all part of an evil scheme that uses the unfortunate case of racial bigotry at the foreground of this pleasant film.

Race does play a vital role in the jokes of the film as there is a no holds-barred attitude from both racial perspectives as mayonnaise, corduroy pants and even the television show ‘Frasier’ are at the core of some very funny jokes. That being said, the film is heavily flawed and one cannot help but draw comparisons to the ‘Austin Powers’ films. Is this film as witty and clever? Definitely not; but it is justified to say that ‘Undercover Brother’ can stand on its’ own as an innocent and singular piece of film that is not ashamed of poking fun at the ‘free-wheelin’, good natured spirit of the 70’s. And for that in itself, it must be condoned.

Director Malcolm D. Lee vehemently infuses some soulful zest into his film in the implementation of some great 70’s tunes along with some funky sequences of the said adjective. Furthermore, what can be admired is the apparent attempt at spoofing the ‘blax-ploitation’ films of the past. While there were not many references to past iconic fads, when there was that one correlation – it worked.

One such example is our hero’s tormented obsession with the Bruce Lee film,’ Enter the Dragon’. Seemingly enough, that film seemed to have influenced the direction and style of the many action/adventure sequences presented in this film. From the in your face comedic martial arts sequences, to the wide angle shot car chase, to the slanted angle character shots, this whole film is an amalgamation of past fads and ideologies bottled up in a harmless comedy.

This film is quite good in its’ own little way, yet part of the film’s chemistry is the cast. The underrated and unappreciated Dave Chappelle (Half-Baked) is absolutely terrific as the titled Conspiracy Brother. He is part of the team Undercover Brother works for and along for the ride are Chi McBride, Denise Richards and even Billy Dee Williams makes the cast. But the greatest surprise is the casting of Doogie Howser himself. Just as we thought he faded out of the limelight until another ‘Starship Troopers’ came along, Neil Patrick Harris plays Lance, the only original member of the all black secret team; the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. In case you are wondering what these initials stand for, do not bother. Not even the film makes an attempt at explaining it.

At this point in time, it is not an understatement to identify ‘Austin Powers’ as the comedic icon of the 60’s, and as soon as ‘Undercover Brother’ hits DVD and develops a cult following, so too will it become an iconic figure and be the pedestal of the 70’s. This film is the type of film to grow on people. Similar to when ‘Austin Powers’ was first released, the original film hardly made an unimpressive 33$ Million. It wasn’t until it developed a following on video that the second was rushed and released and made more than 4 times the original amount.

Therefore, those searching for a developed, coherent and exuberantly produced film are encouraged to look elsewhere. If it is simply a funny film with underdeveloped characters, reality defying sequences and a wafer thin script then you found it. This film will satiate your desire for a fanciful laugh and will have you walking away uttering contagious catch lines as ‘Solid’ and ‘You’ve got Soul’. This film definitely has some ‘soul’.

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Giancarlo De Lisi
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