Filled with contrived plot devices, “Bringing Down the House” dangles on the edge of typical Hollywood high concept failure and is rescued only by the strength of its stars and supporting cast. The melodramatic moments sporadically jerk the film away from its amusing premise and execution. Director Adam Shankman chooses a heavy-handed method in dealing with the main antagonist rather than a lighter touch, which would better fit this otherwise enjoyable comedy.
Steve Martin plays Peter Sanderson, a workaholic tax attorney who is duped into working on an ex-con’s (Queen Latifah) criminal case after she misrepresents herself in an internet chat room and schedules a romantic date with him. After a series of amusing situations, Martin is forced to board Latifah in his house, helping to clear her name for being framed in an armed robbery. In exchange she helps him sign a wealthy client (Joan Plowright) to his firm.
The smart combination of Martin and Latifah is the film’s biggest attribute. The two leads are perfect opposites who gradually find mutual respect, which often leads to some genuinely funny comments on the differences of black and white culture. Martin’s infiltration of a mainly black nightclub, dressed like a middle-aged Eminem and mutilating urban slang, is nearly worth the price of admission.
Despite her current Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “Chicago,” Latifah comes into her own as the other half of this truly amusing comedic team. She demonstrated a deft handling of dramatic roles in films like F. Gary Gray’s “Set It Off” and Phillip Noyce’s “The Bone Collector.” Along with her musical and comedic turns in this year’s Best Picture Oscar favorite and her entertaining sitcom “Living Single,” Latifah may be set to become a major movie presence in the next few years.
While the leads are in prime form, the supporting cast is just as strong. Eugene Levy plays Martin’s co-worker who is infatuated with the feisty houseguest (Latifah), adding to his comic achievements with this film. After turning out winning performances in the “American Pie” movies and in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries (“Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman”), which he co-wrote, Levy has become the most successful alum from “SCTV.”
Also worth mentioning is the work of Plowright, the wealthy heiress Martin tries to woo to his law firm, and Bette White, who plays Martin’s bigoted neighbor. White’s good natured old lady performance is reminiscent of her role in the bad “Lake Placid,” in which she was the only high point.
“Bringing Down the House,” while suffering from some uneven moments, is generally a good comedy that highlights the talents of its actors, who deserve better direction and a less artificial screenplay.