Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

Setting loose ribald Martin Lawrence in a Tyler Perry-style comedy may sound like risky business, but under the watchful eye of writer-director Malcolm D. Lee (Spike's cousin), the erstwhile standup comedian contributes a winning performance to this broad, formulaic, but warmhearted film. Lawrence plays TV star R.J. Stevens (real name: Roscoe Jenkins), who returns to his rural Georgia home for the first time in years with his stuck-up fiancée (Joy Bryant) in tow in order to attend a party celebrating his parents' 50th anniversary—where he is promptly set upon by his sassy siblings (played by Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, and Mo'Nique). And if that isn't bad enough, Roscoe is soon also confronted by the family favorite, cousin Clyde (Cedric the Entertainer), with whom Roscoe has always been fiercely competitive. With all these talented players on hand, Lawrence isn't forced to carry the whole film on his shoulders, and therefore doesn't try to wring every last chuckle out of comedic scenes. Many of the gags are predictable, and more than a few are crude, but the film's overall tone is sweet, and Lee puts the variegated gifts of his talented ensemble cast to good use. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Malcolm D. Lee, deleted/extended scenes (22 min.), outtakes (19 min.), the production featurettes “Bringing the Family Together” (12 min.), “On Location: Getting Down and Dirty” (7 min.), and “Going Home: Real Stories of the Cast” (6 min.), an alternate opening (3 min.), the music video “We're Family” performed by Joe, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a halfway decent comedy.] (E. Hulse)