Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Actor Marlon Wayans (R) holds actor Linden Porco as they pose with co-star Shawn Wayans at the premiere of "Little Man" in Los Angeles July 7. The film opens in the U.S. July 14. - REUTERS
The newest flick from the Wayans' stable Little Man falls along the lines of what is becoming typical Wayans fare. Though it seems that their smartest days, the fantastic times of In Living Colour, may well be behind them, they still have a few, ridiculous, but albeit funny, jokes up their sleeves.
Wayans share credits
The flick is directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans who shares writing credits with the shows co-stars Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. One is likely to have one of three reactions to Little Man. The most likely, is to recognise that it is an absolutely ridiculous flick and dismiss it. The second is to think it is quite amusing. The third is to recognise that it is a ridiculously inane waste of time, but to find it amusing anyway.
Little Man is a pretty close approximation to a White Chicks 2, so those who, for some strange reason, enjoyed White Chicks, are likely to find some amusement in Little Man as well, even though this one falls further down the humour ladder.
Marlon Wayans plays Calvin, a very short criminal, who though he has only been recently released from prison, is back on his first big heist. He disguises himself as a baby (though only the twice blind could mistake that tough critter for an ankle-biter) and is taken in by a young couple.
Shawn Wayans plays Daryl, a man desperate for fatherhood and so when this baby turns up on his doorstep he thinks a miracle has occurred. Kerry Washington plays Vanessa, who like many modern women want to place motherhood on the back burner until they are sufficiently far up the corporate ladder.
The first two-thirds are the worst, when most of the laughter is directed at the movie, rather than inspired by the cliched attempts at creating humour. However, by the time the flick, burps, gurgles and pukes toward its inevitable end, numbness kicks in and it starts to appear funny.
Humour and sexual innuendos
The movie wallows in bodily humour and sexual innuendos, as the supposed baby engages in undercover groping and fondling. Additionally, it barely has anything resembling a coherent plot. It moves with the speed and direction of a toddler simply making it to the end of the 90 minutes seeming without any clear idea of where it is going.
In all fairness to the Wayans, whether you hate or like Little Man, one ought not be surprised by how ridiculous the movie is. That much is clear from the get go. What may actually be surprising, is that sometimes, it ends up funny. So, for those who giggle uncontrollable at the inane, Little Man might well prove hilarious, but for those who prefer a glimmer of intelligence, their chances are just as good watching paint dry.
