‘Momma’ Predictable But Full Of Good Laughs

Mon., June 12, 2000

Kaylin Greene, East Valley

In “Big Momma’s House,” Martin Lawrence’s quick wit makes me laugh time and again.

He stars as an FBI agent who is investigating the beautiful “Sherry” played by Nia Long.

Martin believes Sherry may have $2 million that her ex-boyfriend robbed from a bank. To avoid confrontation, Sherry leaves her house to visit the comforting home of her grandmother, “Big Momma.”

As Lawrence watches the house, all goes well until Big Momma has to leave town. To further his investigation, Lawrence impersonates the 300-pound Big Momma. Watching Lawrence as he struggles to speak and dress like a large, sassy woman is enough to start the laughter.

Martin tries to maintain his disguise throughout the movie and to conceal his growing affection for Sherry.

The movie is predictable and lacks any intelligent humor, but it still is funny. In one hilarious scene, the 70-year-old Big Momma hurts her self-defense instructor and in another she wins at basketball.

Long and the other supporting actors are adequate, but Martin makes this movie.

If the predictability of “Big Momma’s House” can be overlooked, then it can be appreciated solely for its good laughs.

Grade: B+

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