Sidewalks On The Corner

UPDATE: Since the film is now out on DVD, here's our earlier review when the movie came out.

Does the Wayans have another hit on their hand? Or has their crazy and exaggerated form of comedy run its course? Here's the verdict.

Follow up:

"Little Man" is a tame comedy that shows the lighter side of what the Wayans can do with the Bros. unique brand of comedy.

The very talented comedian/actor Shawn Wayans and the lovely/sexy (also very talented) actress Kerry Washington play Darryl and Vanessa, a couple desperately trying to start a family, when suddenly a baby placed in a dog basket lands on their door step. Now, anyone who watches Saturday morning cartoons (Looney toons) like Bugs Bunny, can smell this one coming. Remember "Baby Face Finster", need I say more.

Shawn and Kerry both do some cheesy acting, but it's done for the sake of the film. This is typical of Wayans Bros. films. Marlon Wayans executes his character well (Calvin), as a newly released convict, who plots his next heist, to snatch the queens diamond. Tracey Morgan's character, Percy, is pretty much undermined, but his still manages to inject his style of comedic acting to the roll. John Witherspoon plays the senile father of Vanessa, and always seems to give a classic performance.

The only problem with this film is that, the gags were somewhat set up and repetitive and even some of the jokes didn't quite meet the mark. Quicker, snappier editing would have remedied that problem. "Little Man" involves an all-star cast including many faces from the "In Living Color" days, and includes an actress from Mad TV.

Overall the performances were just fine and very typical of a Wayans comedy. The special effects, called motion tracking, which turned Marlon Wayans into "Little Man" were brilliant. Keenan Ivory Wayans is a great director/writer. This is the Wayans attempt at making something that is family friendly, which is not usual of their style, but this film should hold its own among the Bros. comedy lineup. Hardcore Wayans Bros. fans may want to wait until its DVD release to rent.