I absolutely despise Ashton Kutcher. Seriously. Like, LOATHE. I find him cheesy and overrated. Hawt? Oh, YES. Good actor? Not so much.
That being said, I gave in to peer pressure this weekend (darn you, TGIM!) and watched Guess Who, starring Ashton Kutcher and the always hilarious Bernie Mac. Now, in my defense, I LOVES me some Bernie Mac! That man brings the FUNNY! Have you ever watched his show? Oh my LORD, it's HILARIOUS! And thankfully this movie was no exception to the Bernie Mac is One Funny Mofo rule, despite Ashton Kutcher having a prominent role.
In a reverse play on the controversial 1967 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, starring Sydney Poitier (you know it?), Kutcher is cast as Simon, the dorky yet endearing White Boyfriend coming home to meet his black fiance's family (who predictably do not know about the whole Caucasian Thing he has going on). Determined to break his daughter's engagement, Percy Jones (Bernie Mac) does everything he can to make Simon feel utterly unwelcome, from running his credit report to sleeping (spooning! hee!) with him on the narrow basement couch bed. That scene alone is worth the price of the rental. Seriously. And Percy Jones? As father? Does NOT know best. Which makes for hijinks galore, y'all!
And... okay. All right. FINE. Ashton didn't suck. He was actually-- and it pains me to say this-- amusing in this film. And Bernie Mac? Let's just say I was laughing so hard I almost piddled. And that's not just my incontinence talking, y'all! Not that I'm incontinent. Who told you that?! It's a LIE!...
So anyhoos... good flick. And you know, as tempting as it may be to believe that things have surely changed since the days of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, this movie is honest enough to expose some major issues that have yet to be resolved in our society. A few scenes (especially the dinner table scene) were downright cringe-worthy-- seriously, like "stop the movie! I can't listen anymore!" cringe-worthy-- but I was impressed that the movie was not afraid to scratch the surface and draw real blood regarding ethnic and racial clashing still evident today. As Carrie Rickey of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER wrote, "What's not to like about a movie that concludes that although race can divide people, love can unite them?"
Indeed. I just MAY have busted a tear or two. Or not. Whatever. This movie is easy on the intellect and good for a laugh. I recommend it.
Just thought I'd share.
6 Comments:
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Unknown commented:
Well, color me all sorts of disappointed. I read the title and started thinking "Aw, yeah, Cat's totally gonna dish on her in-laws!"
I live vicariously, you know -- not that I don't *love* my in-laws, 'cause I really do -- what? Carry on.
PS -- Cat, even on my most craptastic days, you make me smile. Damn you, Cat! :)- » 10/11/2005 10:13 AM
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commented:
Yay, I love movie reviews! Especially when you write them. I'd considered renting this one, and now I totally will.
- » 10/11/2005 5:47 PM
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Ern commented:
I LOVED this movie! I was only expecting to be mildly amused. But I laughed my arse off!
"Did you tell them? You know...that I'm...pigment challenged?"- » 10/11/2005 11:21 PM
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Unknown commented:
mrtl -- I think it's one of those things that comes on a DVD with animated characters from Disney or Pixar -- you know, the things the kids watch over and over and over and over again?
- » 10/12/2005 10:21 AM
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Nessa commented:
I loved this movie and agree on all points Ashton.
- » 10/12/2005 10:23 AM
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commented:
Interested in Bernie Mac? Bernie Mac See more of his movies at Most Wanted Movies.
- » 11/03/2005 12:00 AM