Big Momma's House 2

In director John Whitesell's sequel to 2000's Big Momma's House, Martin Lawrence once again dons the fat suit to reprise his role as an FBI agent who goes undercover as the obese Big Momma, this time doubling as a pseudo-nanny for the three kids of a computer designer who is suspected of having crafted a worm that will enable bad guys to hack into government files. What follows is a succession of vaudeville sketches that allow Lawrence ample scope for his usual slapstick mugging, while also resolving the computer-related MacGuffin and, needless to say, becoming a beneficial influence on the dysfunctional family. While Lawrence's makeup is impressive, if rather grotesque, what's lacking here is style, wit, or even coherence: the film simply sets up its unimaginative premise and then coasts along through a chain of forced episodes to a thoroughly predictable conclusion, relying on Lawrence's supposedly engaging personality to override the fact that Big Momma's House 2 is one big mess. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include both widescreen and full screen versions, audio commentary (by director John Whitesell, producer David T. Friendly, and costar Zachary Levi), 12 deleted/extended scenes with optional commentary (17 min.), an eight-minute “Big Momma's Secrets” visual effects featurette (8 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a disappointing comedy.] (F. Swietek)