Rehashes of old TV shows may be one of recent Hollywood's most threadbare genres, and this Honeymooners is modest enough not to try to reinvent a formula that worked like a charm a half-century ago. Ralph Kramden (Cedric the Entertainer, a performer as genial as Gleason was volcanic) is still an inveterate schemer blessed with a long-suffering wife named Alice (Gabrielle Union) and a couple of feisty neighbors named Ed and Trixie Norton (Mike Epps and Regina Hall).
The canniest thing about Schultz's handling of the old concept made new is that he honors its easygoing sitcom predictability while injecting an air of incipient absurdism and embracing warmth among the main characters. There's nothing outrageous or raunchy about this tale of Ralph and Norton's efforts to break into the dog-racing game. It's an affectionate, laid-back ride that offers up a number of winning performances and some typically Schultzian oddball embellishments, most notably a scene-stealing supporting performance by John Leguizamo as the most dubious of dog trainers.
The Honeymooners is in theaters nationally.
- To create paragraphs in your comment, type <p> at the start of a paragraph and </p> at the end of each paragraph.
- To create bold text, type <b>bolded text</b> (please note the closing tag, </b>).
- To create italicized text, type <i>italicized text</i> (please note the closing tag, </i>).
- Proper web addresses will automatically become links.
Latest in Spotlight
-
Paul Newman, 1925-2008
A hero we could believe in
- Oct 3, 2008
-
Remembering director Sydney Pollack, and his visit to Durham
Pollack's death Monday, May 26, at age 73 represents the passing of a true film raconteur and accomplished director.
- May 27, 2008
-
Om Shanti Om
Om Shanti Om delivers the glitter and glamour, the comedy and thrills, religion and the supernatural, mother love, high fashion and eye-popping production numbers in proper masala fashion.
- Nov 14, 2007
- More »
