Marci X

source: Marci X

I doubt that most audiences of this film took it for all the crap it was worth. Granted it is chock full of ridiculous stereotypes and character interactions are no more than superficial, judging by the reactions of most who viewed it, the film succeeded in offending and/or alienating exactly the demographic intended. I mean, seriously, Marci X was a parody of itself at best and could hardly be appreciated for anything more. But if you can bring yourself to see it for what it's worth; a spoof on rampant American censorship in recent years, you may actually find that it has more commentary then meets the eye. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to find an expanding cult following with outlandish dance numbers and characters like Boys 'R Us and Yo Lo.

Paul Rudnick, one of the best comedy writers of the moment, wrote this hilarious screen play that is the basis for "Marci X". Fans of rap needn't complain about the movie, this wasn't obviously a vehicle for them to enjoy, this is an acerbic satire on the genre. As directed by Richard Benjamin, a man that should be seen more often, both as an actor and as a director, this comedy connects with Mr. Rudnick's wit, producing an amazing result. The idea of a distinguished Jewish philanthropist being dragged through the mud because one of the record companies, he doesn't even know he owns, employs a "gangsta rapper" by the name of Dr. S, is preposterous. Never fear, his neglected princess daughter, the ditzy Marci, comes to her father's help. This girl is into a world of her own, but no one can ever accuse her to be political incorrect. The first scene when Marci goes to the Harlem theater where Dr. S is performing one of his numbers is one of the funniest things in the film. Marci knows quite well how to defeat this bigoted person: by the sheer power of her designer wardrobe! After all, blacks are more into fashion than even those fashionistas one sees all over the place with the right accouterments and designers initials! Of course, Marci is a hit with the crowd when she, and her girlfriends show the latest Chanel handbags to the women in the audience. They all have the same bags, or knock offs of the real thing! This is a film to watch for the humor of Mr. Rudnick's writing. Why, just look at some of the names of the characters: Laren Farb, Caitlin Mellowiz, Kirsten Blatt are the 3 girlfriends that serve as a Greek chorus to back up Marci in every function she attends! There's also a Mary Ellen Spinkle and a Lane Strayfield! I mean, with names like these, how could they do anything wrong? The cast is excellent. Not being a Lisa Kudrow fan, one has to admit she does all right as Marci under Mr. Benjamin's direction. Damon Wayans' character, on the other hand, seems to be walking a border line between being straight, or gay, the way he plays his Dr. S. The supporting players do excellent jobs. Jane Krakowski, last year's Tony winner, Veanne Cox, Christine Baranski, Charles Kimbrough, are theater actors one sees with frequency on the New York stages. As a satire about the hip-hop movement, Mr. Benjamin has done wonders with the help of Mr. Rudnick's material.

Granted, this film is no masterpiece and at times it is downright silly and embarassing and makes you almost wanna switch off your TV set. But Kudrow's rap number "Power in Your Purse" in front of an (almost) Afro-American audience is sublime and when Baranski goes looney to her election tape towards the end, I couldn't help but laugh. Why on Earth did Wayans have to put on that silly high-pitched voice ? It didn't go at all with what he supposedly had in his pants, which judging from the voice had to be nil, niente, nichts, NOTHING !! 5 stars for an all-in-all quite enjoyable film !

This movie boldly, sarcastically and entertainingly tackles the subject of the clash between mainstream and African American culture. The most obvious way that "Marcie X" does this is by portraying a hilarious interracial relationship. The fact that such a taboo relationship is being displayed as a movie is bound to make many Americans angry. What a blast and a laugh fest! I didn't know that Damon Wayens had so much talent! Lisa Kudrow played her role to a tee! The director has a subtle hand and a uses a sledge hammer when it is called for. This is way better than "Undercover Brother." The fact that the movie is rated "R" must have greatly effected its popularity. The youth audience would have really liked this one.

I was hesitant about this film at first thinking that it looked really bad but I was incredibly surprised. Not only did I laugh all the way through I found the film to be both a witty and clever satire that knew exactly what it was and aspired to be nothing more than funny. Yes the film is based on actual events but it is so far removed from that and I think that it makes a good statement about censorship and how music can bring different ethnic and racial groups together. I thought that Kudrow and Wayans were perfect and that the supporting cast carried themselves very well. The film is not one that requires a lot of thinking but one that can be enjoyed for the hilarious way that it presents itself.

I read the comments before watching the movie, and just like with the "famous critics" who critique movies, that was the wrong move. I think it really depends on the mindset of the person who is watching and also it depends on the type of movie the person is looking for. So if you are looking for fun, this is a fun movie, it is not to be taken in all seriousness, just take it for what is - just plain fun. I can't complain about the language, because although I don't like rap for all of the disrespectful language, I knew this movie would have aspects of it but it was funny in spots. Everyone should form their own opinions as everyone would find different things funny.

When I saw this movie 3 years ago I was surprised at how awful it really was. I mean why the hell would you make this movie into a musical when none of the actors in it can sing? I thought this movie would be about Lisa Kudrow trying to act black, which would have been funny since she is the whitest girl I have ever seen, but the director decided not to go that route, like the title entails, and decided to make it into a romance musical which had a total of ONE funny moment. When Wayne's character starts singing "I wanna love you IN THE BUTT, IN THE BUTT, IN THE BUTT!!!" and all the backup singers had red targets painted on their rear ends. Thats about the only funny part of the movie, and you only laugh for a few seconds. Anyone who rated this movie a 10 either is a HUGE Waynes brother fan, or they love the smooth, sensual voice of Lisa Kudrow when she sings (FUBAR!)

I'm sorry but I can't hate this movie. I mean I kid you not when I say that I really hate black comedies movies. Not to be racist or anything(because I'm black myself. It's just that every time I see a black comedy, it's always showing black people being very stereotypical.Plus I know that lot of what's happening in this movie has already been done. But it's not been done by Damon Waynes. If it was just about any other black actor screaming bi**h or any of the other curse words used in this movie, I would have turn the channel. But like I said, it's Damon and that's my dog. So big ups to what the movie tried to do. Plus I love the fact that he's countering someone who no one would have ever imagined him to do a movie with. I love this movie.

...but usually in that circumstance we didn't subject the world to that knowledge. This film has known folks in it who just did not have to do this film - for the rent or otherwise. I think there was an idea...over an apple martini or something...that someone said, "Hey - we can make a real funny movie about that!" They were wrong. First of all....you could tell this is yet another Wayan's "inside joke". Here's some advice for the Wayans - stop joking and just be serious and or honest about it. Come out with it - whatever you want to say. Maybe your "ironic" days are over and its time to go right in and do what is exactly on your minds. Then you have to ask what possessed Richard Benjamin, Christine Baranski and Lisa Kudrow to do this...? Rent? Taxes? A new stuffed animal they saw at Wal-Mart? Let me not trash the film - for a minute - and look at what the INTENT could have been...what this seemed to want to be was an expose of the music industry stereotypes. Okay, done not trashing and here's my truth: I've had just about enough of stereotypes in feature films to last decades. Don't get me wrong, there can be a way to do something of this nature which can be entertaining, thought provoking..maybe even satirical...the bottom line is that this is NOT the film - not the script - not the actors - not worth the time of anyone.