What's the Worst That Could Happen?

Starring: Danny Devito, Martin Lawrence

Directed by: Sam Weisman

RS: Not Rated Average User Rating: 4of 4 Stars

2001 Comedy

As for What's the Worst That Could Happen? - it's worse than the title suggests. Martin Lawrence, who hit box-office pay dirt last summer by dressing in fat-lady drag as the star of Big Momma's House, tries on even cheaper gimmicks this time. As a thief vowing revenge against a tycoon (Danny DeVito) who has the nerve to steal his ring, Lawrence forgoes his knack for verbal comedy and replaces it with crude nonstop mugging. Lawrence, who also serves as the film's executive producer, is working way below his capabilities. Ditto director Sam Weisman, a Yale grad with solid credits onstage (Table Settings, The Common Pursuit) and TV (L.A. Law, Brooklyn Bridge) but whose film work (D2: The Mighty Ducks, George of the Jungle) continues to scream sellout.

PETER TRAVERS
(RS 872 - June 15, 2001)