Stars: Steve Martin, Queen Latifah, Eugene Levy
Viewers are entitled to expect more than they get from this one --- the combined talents of Steve Martin & Eugene Levy alone should be enough to guarantee a more memorable cinematic experience.
Sadly, ’’Bringing Down The House’’ falls a little flat. The writing isn’t particularly inspired, & the comedy somewhat derivative. Queen Latifah, however, turns in a fantastic performance, & her infectious enthusiasm adds enormously to a film that, whilst it doesn’t let it’s audience down, does leave them a little hungrier than it should.
In fairness, Bringing Down The House does have it’s genuine moments --- aided, again, by some hilarious acting from both Martin & Levy. Then, too, the work of promising young actress Kimberly J. Brown delivers some needed charm to an otherwise old storyline of kids supplementing an adults film. It’s simply that it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. That said, if you need to spend a lazy afternoon on the sofa, this one will get you through...just.