Movie Review ‘Bringing Down the House’

The fresh blockbuster hit, Bringing Down the House, has raised some eyebrows and tickled many funny bones.
Gracing the big screen for the first time on Friday, March 7, it’s total U.S. gross is over $61.2 million thus far.
It is about a lonely, recently divorced New Yorker by the name of Peter Sanderson, who has struck up an interest in an on-line love.
Little did he know the seemingly enchanting and intellectual “lawyer-girl” (her screen name) was not a lawyer, but an ex-convict.
The mysterious woman, Charlene Morton, played by rapper/actress Queen Latifah, slivers her way into the tax attorney’s life when he unknowingly invites her over for dinner. Upon her arrival he immediately acknowledges that there must have been a mistake and orders her to leave.
After refusing to grant his request, she proceeds to state the reason for her presence. She has been wrongly convicted of armed robbery and has broken out of jail for his assistance in reopening her case for appeal. He agrees to help her.
Charlene stirs things up when she takes up residence in Peter’s house. She also holds the position of “the nanny” for Sanderson’s two children, Sarah and Gregory, played by Kimberly J. Brown and Angus T. Jones, respectively.
As time progresses, Charlene also decides to help Peter spice up his life. She teaches him how to be cooler and more charismatic when trying to attract one woman… his ex-wife as he sets out to pursue her heart again.
As with all movies, there are ups and downs. There are legal problems with Charlene and Peter can not quite the whiz kid when it comes to being “hip.”
Everyday is an adventure. From dancing in the clubs to wining and dining in a quiet restaurant.
Then of course, there is the role of playing “the nanny” to being a true friend. Everything works out in the end and Charlene can start a new life free of a bad “rap ” and Peter, his ex-wife and children are reunited.
Although this movie was meant to be funny and lighthearted, it seems to be catching some waves.
It has been argued that this movie degrades the black race as viewers of this movie. The various racial comments and jokes have risen some harsh opinions.
Because Queen Latifah’s character was constantly depicted as a nanny to two Caucasian children, she has been labeled the Aunt Jemima of 2003. She was also shown as an impatient black women who had to get rowdy and use foul language to get her point across. There was even a scene where she actually got into a fight.
Aside from the backlash from the racial phrases and depictions this movie can offer a hearty laugh. Bringing Down the House is doing well and makes for happy moviegoer.