Movie Review: LITTLE MAN Author: Paul Coffland Friday, July 14, 2005 U.S. Release Date: July 14, 2005 Distributor: Sony/Revolution Pictures Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans Writing Credits: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans Cast: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kerry Washington, et al. Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: R OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.littleman-movie.com/ TRAILERS: Via www.apple.com./trailers The Wayans brothers are back at it with their latest movie Little Man. Marlon Wayans plays the part of a vertically challenged jewel thief named Calvin who has partnered with a wannabe rap impresario played by Saturday Night Live alum, Tracy Morgan. After stealing a diamond worthy of Allen Iverson’s ear lobes, Calvin must dump the rock into the purse of an unsuspecting lady (Kerry Washington) who is casually shopping with her husband, Darryl, played by Shawn Wayans. With no way to get into the couple’s house, Calvin must pose as an orphaned child in need of a family and is left on the doorstep of the happy couple. This particular ruse is made easy as the suburban husband wants to be a father more than anything and has been unsuccessful persuading his wife to have a baby as she pursues a corporate career with increasing success. Calvin spends the rest of the movie trying to stay one step ahead of the cops, mobsters, and Darryl’s live-in father-in-law who is suspicious of the little guy from the start. This movie had me laughing loudly through out- much of it is absolutely hilarious. However, the devil on my shoulder complained that the gags are far from fresh. In fact, much of the physical comedy seems borrowed from movies like Home Alone. And the strategy of dumping an expensive item on an unsuspecting stranger to elude authorities smells like French Kiss. A film maker could do worse than copy stunts from those two films as both are very entertaining, but it is still feels repetitive. The angel on the other shoulder keeps asking, “What kind of a movie did you go to?” “A comedy,” I reply begrudgingly. “And what does a comedy do when done well?” asks the angel with eyebrows raised. “It makes you laugh.” “Stop complaining.” There’s no sense arguing with imaginary friends when both have valid points PAUL’S GRADE: C+ Paul Coffland is the business manager and a writer/reviewer for ON-FILM.NET. Send feedback to pcoffland@houston.rr.com.