little man movie review & film summary - code1

 

Movie Review: Little Man (2006) - A Comedy with a Twist

Comedy movies often serve as an excellent escape from reality, delivering laughter and entertainment. Little Man (2006), directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, stands out as a unique entry in the comedy genre, blending physical humor with an unusual premise. This movie, starring Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Kerry Washington, offers a quirky storyline, hilarious performances, and some heartfelt moments. In this review, we delve into the film's plot, characters, and overall impact while maintaining an honest and thoughtful perspective.

Synopsis

The story revolves around Calvin "Babyface" Simms (played by Marlon Wayans), a diminutive jewel thief known for his cunning and audacity. After being released from prison, Calvin and his partner, Percy (Tracy Morgan), embark on a heist to steal a priceless diamond. Things go awry when the police intervene, forcing Calvin to stash the diamond in a woman's handbag. The bag belongs to Vanessa Edwards (Kerry Washington), a hopeful mother married to Darryl Edwards (Shawn Wayans), a man eager to start a family.

To retrieve the diamond, Calvin devises a bizarre plan: disguise himself as a baby and pose as the couple's adopted child. What follows is a series of comedic mishaps, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments as Calvin navigates the chaos of family life. Along the way, he finds himself growing attached to the Edwards family, leading to a climax that is both action-packed and unexpectedly touching.

The Cast and Their Performances

Marlon Wayans delivers a standout performance as Calvin. Using a combination of physical comedy and CGI effects, Wayans portrays the character with charm and humor, making the implausible premise surprisingly engaging. Shawn Wayans, as Darryl, provides a relatable counterpart, balancing the absurdity of Calvin's antics with genuine warmth and affection. Kerry Washington shines as Vanessa, bringing grace and depth to her role as a caring yet skeptical wife.

The supporting cast, including John Witherspoon as the suspicious Grandpa Pops and Tracy Morgan as the bumbling Percy, adds layers of humor and personality to the film. Chazz Palminteri, as the menacing mobster Mr. Walken, offers a contrasting edge to the otherwise light-hearted tone.

Humor and Storyline

The comedy in Little Man is primarily slapstick, relying heavily on Calvin's attempts to maintain his disguise and the absurd situations that arise as a result. While some jokes land brilliantly, others may feel over-the-top or predictable. The film draws inspiration from the 1954 Bugs Bunny cartoon Baby Buggy Bunny, and this influence is evident in its exaggerated humor and cartoonish scenarios.

Despite its comedic focus, Little Man includes moments of emotional resonance. Calvin's transformation from a self-serving thief to someone who values family adds depth to the narrative. The birthday party scene, where Calvin experiences genuine affection, stands out as a touching highlight.

Production and Visual Effects

The movie employs a mix of practical effects and CGI to create the illusion of Calvin's size. Dwarf actor Linden Porco provided the physical performance for Calvin, with Marlon Wayans' face superimposed in post-production. While the effects were groundbreaking for the time, some sequences may appear dated to modern audiences. Nevertheless, the creativity and effort behind the visuals are commendable.

The cinematography by Steven Bernstein captures the vibrant, suburban setting effectively, complementing the film's playful tone. Teddy Castellucci's musical score adds energy and enhances the comedic timing.

Critical Reception and Box Office Performance

Upon its release, Little Man received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who criticized its reliance on lowbrow humor and implausible premise. It holds a 12% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus describing it as "another gimmicky comedy from the Wayans brothers." However, audiences were more forgiving, with a CinemaScore of B+ indicating a positive reception among general viewers.

From a financial perspective, the film was a commercial success, grossing $104 million worldwide against a production budget of $69 million. Its box office performance underscored the Wayans brothers' ability to attract audiences, even in the face of critical skepticism.

Themes and Takeaways

At its core, Little Man explores themes of redemption, family, and the importance of genuine connections. Calvin's journey from a career criminal to a quasi-family member underscores the transformative power of love and acceptance. While the film's humor may not appeal to everyone, its underlying message about the value of relationships is universally relatable.

Conclusion

Little Man is a comedy that pushes the boundaries of its premise, delivering laughs and moments of heartwarming connection. While it may not resonate with all viewers, its unique storyline and dedicated performances make it a memorable addition to the Wayans brothers' filmography. Whether you're a fan of slapstick humor or simply looking for a lighthearted movie, Little Man is worth a watch.

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