A Disappointing Continuation

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Undercover Brother (2002): Dir: Malcolm D. Lee / Cast: Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Dave Chappelle, Neil Patrick Harris: Satire that addresses the idea that many white people wish to act in the stereotypical black fashion while blacks cannot imitate the whites. This is best demonstrated when Eddie Griffin is seen in attire that is far from his usual self. Eddie Griffin plays an agent given the title name and he belongs to the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. They are fighting against a white organization known as The Man. He is searching for a brainwashing device that is interrogating black people. Funny concept reduced to Griffin's wardrobe and martial arts violence. Well directed by Malcolm D. Lee with eye catching visual elements obviously inspired by Austin Powers. Griffin seems to be having fun with the role however, it is faulted by his constant self awareness as if in on the jokes. Chris Kattan has fun as a villain struggling against influence. This renders his performance the best in the film. Denise Richards begins well and then is reduced to exploiting her sexuality. Dave Chappelle also appears in a cardboard role. Here was an idea that might have seeded had it a better screenplay but instead it becomes one big stupid charade much like Spy Hard was a few years prior. It addresses racial stereotypes while screenplay should have remained undercover. Score: 5 ½ / 10

This movie uses the great imagery of the seventies black style along with amazing material to keep you laughing until you cry. The lines are peppered with in your face truths, great music, big Afros and a heavy dose of Chappelle magic. Our family purchased the DVD several seasons ago and we watch it at least 4 or 5 times a year. What's with the 5.7 stars? First of all, it should be a 10. What were they thinking? Our hope is that Dave is inspired by some white folks near Savannah Ga who think he is the greatest and comes back with Undercover Brother II! For now, we will keep watching the reruns and Undercover Brother DVD's until the next work arrives. We are dedicated.You have buy the film and see for yourself!

The black version of Austin Powers after 5 years of the original. Or it's the Bond spoof meets the Blexploitation spoof. Anyhow it's one of the funniest comedies through one of the shortest 90 minutes movies. But it got some problems that made it away from being the smart parody it could've been._The casting : (Eddie Griffin) is good comedian but way far to be a lead. He lacked the charisma and the personal touch. (Chris Kattan) transformed the whole matter into a big silly gag, sometimes being hysterical doesn't mean laughable. (Denise Richards) don't get me starting, as an actress she's the weakest, and as a sexy mama she's not (they even had to enlarge her assets to look good at the poster !!). (Chi McBride) wasn't that good as a comedian. And finally (Aunjanue Ellis) was droll as (Sistah Girl) but not great as a (girl)! _The direction : (Malcolm D. Lee) handled it lame for most of the time. He let the jokes scenes, like all of Dave Chappelle's ones, be like a stand-up comic number or a devoted TV work. His cadres were so tide, his camera didn't move where it should be. I felt like this is just a TV sketch more than a respectable cinematic parody. Not to mention how I'm still dying to watch a parody, any parody, for the technicalities, the goofs, and the lowness of some of the Blexploitation movies, to not find it here or anywhere ! They're things begging to be spoofed._The production : it's weird, because at the end you'd witness some money here, like they were saving what they have during all the movie to spend it away at the climax only ?? Despite anything, its writer (John Ridley) made a fine comedy with some effective sarcasm aiming at the modern pop, and representing some nice "black" jokes about the so-called "white" culture. I found it too amusing to watch ideas like : a brainwash by the Mayonnaise, letting the politics to the Kentucky Fried chicken, the rap music beats the racism,.. etc. It's even an ethical movie (drugs can make you paranoiac)!. All of that in fast speed, sharp editing (sometimes), and with so brilliant dialog. Without the usual common nowadays' trash of (toilet humor, bad taste, dirty rude comedy,..).In fact it managed to be good as a spoof, but not as a very good spoof.

This movie is well worth the rental(I bought it). Comedy, Action and beautiful acting are some of the reasons... If you are a fan of James Bond and the Mission Impossible genre...and can laugh....This movie is somewhat at the same level as Austin Powers. The movies theme has an ethnic twist which I was very skeptical about at first. But I was soon won over by the writing. Lots of social commentary poking fun at the political correctness and a reverse-racial statements. Chris Kattan is solid in his portrayal of the evil guy who is forced to listen to his conscience. If you like him this is a must see. Heather Graham in leather is another reason....but maybe not worthy of comment compared to the shower scene... Enjoy this fun well written romp.