Blankman

Seriously - this is one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen. What does it want to be? A super hero pastiche? Race issues comedy? Surreal wack-fun? Not sure how favourably it can be compared to other flicks such as Meteor Man or Brother From Another Planet. There are some pretty original jokes and situations, and some very unsubtle moments which still work. it held my interest for a while, but the tone seemed all over the place. Still it has Jason (George from Seinfeld, Duckman) in it.

Damon Wayans cuts it up as a (Grand)Mama's Boy with dreams of being a crimefighting superhero. David Alan Grier dreams of busting out his Mack Daddy on the star reporter (Givens) at the TV station where he works as a cameraman. Sprinkle liberally with "The Return of Duckman" -- Jason Alexander in the guise of Grier's producer, and as caustic as the quack ever was -- and throw in lots of junk... but it's *great* junk. With his wringer-equipped, flashlight-eyed, wrist-remote-controlled 1950's era automatic washing machine robo-buddy J5, Blankman (Wayans) creates an aura of mystique and cobbled together super-gadgets that would make Batman wonder "Where did he get all that junk?" (see also "Spiculum of Life") while making his neighborhood safer for his children. Nevermind that he's still a virgin. A gloriously campy superhero gigglefest that will at some point touch the heart and mind of every kid (grown up and otherwise) who wanted to open a can of whoop-ass in snazzy duds with groovy toys, then retreat back to your secret Super-Do-Gooder Hideout. Plenty of physical comedy to keep you chuckling, tricks and traps ingenious enough to qualify as "Diabolical Disastrous Doom... will our heroes be back next week?". An excellent rental.

Being a tremendous superhero nerd, I loved everything about Blankman! The hokey jokes, costumes and plot. Damon Wayans must have watched all the old 60's Batman shows, as did I, and loved all the garishness of it, just as I did. Anytime I watch a movie and think..."I would make this movie EXACTLY the same way", means that it's one that I will always watch on TV, and even buy on DVD. I loved the "Blank Station", the references to David Alan Grier's superhero character as "The Other Guy" still make me laugh out loud. Yeah it has toilet humor, yeah it's a goofy parody of a goofy medium, but that just makes me love it even more. And even, God help us, Robin Givens is good enough in her role to make the whole ride an enjoyable one.

I remember that I wanted to see this film when it was first released, I realized that it looked very dumb, but nonetheless, I wanted to see it. So I finally got around to renting this film and I thought it was hilarious!!!

The film is loaded with great jokes and very clean jokes (well, most of them). Damon Wayans was hilarious throughout the film, as was David Alan Grier, and their relationship and chemistry on film was excellent! Robin Givens looked fantastic throughout the film and does a fine acting job as well. Jason Alexander and Jon Polito were very good as well, although I have to say it was very odd seeing Jason Alexander with a shaved head.

Anyhow, if you liked the film "Mystery Men", then you really ought to like this film. If you watch this film, don't take it seriously, keep in mind that this is a super-hero spoof. I truly hope you enjoy the film as much as I did. Thanks for reading,

-Chris

Oh man is Damon Wayans hilarious. And paired up with David Alan Grier... comedy gold! They already had chemistry as their "Men on Films" comedy sketch from "In Living Color" was one of the funniest sketches of the entire show.

"Blankman" is insanely stupid and it's a riot. Kevin Walker (Damon Wayans) is a very unremarkable geek with a penchant for making shoddy gadgets out of discarded appliances and electronics. If you used to like Steve Urkel, then think of Kevin as a more effeminate and older version. When he discovers a solution to make his clothing indestructible he decides to become a superhero. The name Blankman was given rather than chosen. The movie is cut in the mold of the old Batman T.V. show except with a comedic air.

Kevin's geekiness is only made funnier in juxtaposition to his normal brother, Darryl (David Alan Grier), who takes every opportunity to insult Kevin.

Wayan's antics make the movie. It's not a brilliant movie by any means, which is quite alright. It is a clean movie though, for the most part--not relying on sexual humor or a barrage of profanity. I may be nuts for even liking this movie, but I was already open to enjoying "Blankman" due to my "In Living Color" fandom. What can I say? There are worse movies I could like.