Introduction Big Momma's House
"Big Momma's House" is a 2000 American comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell. The story revolves around Sherry McGrath (played by Nia Long), a single mother who has been raising her son, Trenton (played by Markus Lathan), since his father left the family. They are both struggling to make ends meet and live in a small house with multiple roommates. The movie starts off with Sherry working hard to provide for her son and their household. However, she is still trying to come to terms with her past and why her ex-boyfriend left them without any support. Meanwhile, Trenton is dealing with his own struggles at school as he tries to fit in with other kids. In an effort to improve the situation, Sherry decides to pretend to be a wealthy businesswoman from New York City, which leads to her encountering Thad Alexander (played by Martin Lawrence), a local gangster who has fallen in love with her. Trenton is initially unaware of his mother's deception and becomes close friends with Thad. However, things take a turn when Sherry's past comes back to haunt her, threatening the very existence of her new life. This forces Trenton to help his mother confront her issues and deal with the consequences of her dishonesty. "Big Momma's House" is a heartwarming and hilarious film that explores themes of family, love, and redemption. With its talented cast, witty dialogue, and engaging storyline, it has become a beloved classic among audiences of all ages.
Plot and Themes Big Momma's House
"Big Momma's House" is a 2000 comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell. The movie follows Martin Lawrence as Malcolm Turner, a former FBI agent who is on the run from a corrupt businessman. The plot revolves around Malcolm taking refuge with his family in Georgia, where he assumes the identity of "Big Momma", a larger-than-life matriarch named Hattie Mae Turner. As Big Momma, Malcolm poses as Hattie's cousin and becomes part of her household, which consists of her daughter Shelly (Nia Long) and her son Trey (Khamani Griffin). Throughout the movie, Malcolm struggles to keep his true identity a secret while also helping his new family deal with their own problems. He falls in love with Shelly, who has a troubled past, and becomes close friends with Trey. The themes of "Big Momma's House" include: 1. Family: The importance of family is highlighted throughout the movie. Malcolm, as Big Momma, becomes part of his new family and helps them overcome their struggles. 2. Identity: Malcolm's journey as Big Momma raises questions about identity and how it can be used to create a new sense of self. 3. Love: The film explores different forms of love, including romantic love between Malcolm and Shelly, maternal love shown by Hattie, and the bond between family members. Overall, "Big Momma's House" is a lighthearted comedy that explores themes of identity, family, and love while also providing plenty of laughs.
Performance and Direction Big Momma's House
Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and the direction in the movie 'Big Momma's House': **Acting Performances:** * **Martin Lawrence**: Martin Lawrence is the star of the show, playing the role of Malcolm Turner/Big Momma. He delivers a fantastic performance as both the tough-as-nails FBI agent and the lovable Big Momma. His comedic timing and physical comedy skills are on full display throughout the film. * **Nia Long**: Nia Long plays Sherry Pierce, Malcolm's wife. She provides a decent supporting performance but her character feels somewhat underdeveloped. * **Mark Moses**: Mark Moses plays the role of Bud Sledge, a local businessman who becomes entangled in Malcolm's investigation. He brings a level of sophistication to his character and is enjoyable to watch on screen. * **Kyla Pratt**: Kyla Pratt plays Tiffany Pierce, Sherry's daughter. She does an adequate job as a rebellious teenager but could have brought more depth to her role. **Direction:** * **Raja Gosnell**: The direction by Raja Gosnell is competent and keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. He knows how to balance the humor with action, making the movie entertaining for most of its runtime. * **Cinematography**: The cinematography by Peter Lyons Collister is bright and colorful, adding to the overall lighthearted feel of the film. **Overall:** 'Big Momma's House' is a fun, family-friendly comedy that relies heavily on Martin Lawrence's charisma. While some characters could have been fleshed out further, the performances from Lawrence and the supporting cast are generally enjoyable. The direction by Raja Gosnell keeps the pace moving and the cinematography adds to the film's overall charm. However, it's worth noting that 'Big Momma's House' is not without its flaws. Some scenes feel overly formulaic or predictable, which can detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped or feel like caricatures. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighthearted comedy with plenty of laughs, 'Big Momma's House' is worth checking out. But don't expect too much depth or complexity from the plot or characters.
Technical Aspects Big Momma's House
The infamous 'Big Momma's House'. While it may not be a masterpiece in terms of cinematic artistry, there are certainly some interesting technical aspects worth exploring. **Cinematography**: The film was shot using a combination of digital cameras (Panavision Genesis) and traditional film stock (Kodak 35mm). The cinematographer, Anthony B. Richmond, employed a mix of close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots to create a visually engaging experience. He also made use of shallow depth of field to emphasize the characters' facial expressions. **Sound Design**: Sound plays a crucial role in comedy films like 'Big Momma's House'. The sound design is cleverly used to amplify comedic moments. For example, when Martin Lawrence's character, Malcolm Turner, disguises himself as Big Momma, the sound effects of his deep voice and heavy breathing are exaggerated for comedic effect. **Visual Effects**: While not a major focus of the film, visual effects were used to enhance certain scenes. In one scene, Malcolm Turner is shown dancing in front of a mirror, with the camera seamlessly switching between two versions of him - Big Momma (played by Martin Lawrence) and his normal self. This was achieved through green screen technology. **Makeup and Prosthetics**: One of the most notable aspects of the film is its use of prosthetics to transform Martin Lawrence into Big Momma. The makeup team, led by Ve Neill, used a combination of full-body prosthetics, wigs, and facial prosthetics to create the character's distinctive appearance. **Editing**: The editing style in 'Big Momma's House' is fast-paced and energetic, which helps to keep up with the film's frenetic pace. The editor, Michael Tronick, cut the scenes quickly to ensure that the comedy doesn't lose its momentum. Overall, while 'Big Momma's House' may not be a technical masterpiece in terms of cinematography or visual effects, it does make use of clever sound design and makeup techniques to enhance its comedic elements.
More Details Big Momma's House
Here are some details about the production of 'Big Momma's House': **Cast:** * Martin Lawrence as Malcolm Turner/Big Momma * Nia Long as Sherry Pierce * Emily Procter as Kristen Taylor * Dan Aykroyd as John * Paul Giamatti as Lester Veserman * Vanessa Bell Calloway as Louise Piper **Production Companies:** * New Line Cinema * 3 Arts Entertainment * Lawrence Pictures Inc. **Trivia:** 1. The film was originally intended to be a spin-off of the 'Blue Streak' (1999) movie, with Martin Lawrence reprising his role as Miles Logan. However, the script for 'Big Momma's House' was written and Lawrence decided to star in this film instead. 2. The title "Big Momma" comes from the term used by African-American mothers who are known for being large and lovingly maternal. This was a concept that Martin Lawrence wanted to explore in his comedy. 3. The character of Big Momma is based on two different characters: Malcolm Turner, a FBI agent, and Hattie Mae Pierce, a large woman from the Deep South. Lawrence's intention was to combine these two personas into one, creating the character of Big Momma. 4. Martin Lawrence not only starred in the film but also co-wrote it with John Jarratt and Matt Tarses. He also served as an executive producer on the project. 5. The movie took place over the course of five days to ensure that Lawrence could maintain his physical transformation into Big Momma, which included wearing a fat suit and makeup. **Interesting Facts:** 1. Martin Lawrence gained 70 pounds for the role of Big Momma through eating large meals and gaining muscle mass in his legs and arms. 2. The film was shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, where Martin Lawrence grew up. 3. 'Big Momma's House' grossed over $161 million worldwide, making it a commercial success. Overall, 'Big Momma's House' is an entertaining comedy that showcases Martin Lawrence's versatility as a performer and his ability to poke fun at societal norms. The film has become a cult classic among fans of the actor and his work.
Conclusion Big Momma's House
"Big Momma's House" is a hilarious comedy that explores the world of deception, family, and identity. The film has many strengths that make it enjoyable to watch, such as its witty humor, relatable characters, and strong performances from its cast. The movie cleverly uses the concept of cross-dressing to create comedic situations, making it both entertaining and unique. Additionally, the film's message about accepting oneself and embracing one's true identity is an important and relevant topic. However, "Big Momma's House" also has some weaknesses that detract from its overall quality. The pacing can be slow at times, leading to a feeling of monotony. Furthermore, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped and lack depth, which can make it difficult for audiences to connect with them. In conclusion, while "Big Momma's House" has some flaws, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It is a comedy that will leave you laughing and thinking about the importance of self-acceptance. Therefore, if you are looking for a light-hearted movie that combines humor and heart, then "Big Momma's House" is definitely worth watching.