Double identité

Lenny Henry who is somewhat under appreciated as an actor was superb in this film he's very funny in 'True Identity' and makes a groundbreaking performance in this in his 'whitesuit'. He makes a fantastic caucasian person looking a little bit like a taller version of Martin Short (comedian/actor). It's unfortunate that this wasn't as big a hit as it should and could have been...It wasn't marketed properly, wasn't on enough Screens etc etc. I 've seen far more mediocre films do far better at the Box Office precisely because the studio put more money into marketing it or opened very wide...and that is a shame. It's business! It would be wise and make great business sense for some studio to do another movie with Lenny Henry as the star; one that mixes comedy with another genre or two eg; Comedy/Action, Comedy/Horror. Comedy/Romance/Action. Comedy/Sci-Fi/Action etc. etc...Lenny Henry is a comedic giant and could make some studio a heck of a lot of money!

The first half hour of this movie could have been shortened by fifteen minutes -- too many minutes are used in set-up. It doesn't start getting good until Frank Langella comes along. Then it gradually improves as it goes along, and reaches and sustains its peak toward the end, starting when Henry introduces his alternate character.

There is a somewhat large and famous supporting cast, and for awhile one wonders why so many well-known actors would sign on, but by the end, their involvement becomes justified, although some are not given much to do.

This would make a good TV movie, but it would take a lot of bleeping. Too much of the F-word, for example.

Lenny Henry (`Chef!') is a struggling outer borough actor in NYC who accidentally gets aquianted with a mob boss (Frank Langella) who is supposed to be dead. Convinced that his life is in peril, he has his make-up artist friend transform him from a black man to a white/Italian man and hilarious results ensue.

I picked this up at a used record store on video used for $1.99. Don't know what happened to the tape, but if you see it listed for even ten bucks it's definitely a keeper.

Its the shame this movie bombed at the box office, it really not that bad at all! The script and direction is maybe so so, but as a first major role for Lenny Henry, he really should have got more movies out of this. Not forgetting that he had a great support cast who did the best with what they had, making a still amusing film at the right time of day. I thought the make up/transformation of Henry was quite amazing and funny and perhaps has been over looked under appreciated ?, (Then again its brilliance may have caused certain people some discomfort?). To sum up,great cast,dodgy script and slightly wobbly direction but still worth seeing.

On his way to an audition, second-rate actor Miles Pope finds himself sat next to a businessman with connections to the acting world. However, during an extremely severe bit of turbulence, everyone assumes they will die and the confessions start – with Leland Carver confessing to Miles that he is really a wanted mobster (Frankie Lucino) assumed dead but hiding thanks to loads of plastic surgery. Of course when the plane doesn't crash, Carver is keen to keep his secret a secret and Miles finds himself on the run from a hit-man hired by Frankie.

Few people will come to this film hoping for much; indeed judging by the votes on this site it would appear that few people have come to this film at all. The plot sets up lots of material to be furiously milked and the writers don't disappoint as they take every strained setup they can and wring it dry. The fact that the plot is silly and forced will be no surprise to anyone but this was a price that I was willing to pay in this type of film in exchange for laughs. Sadly the film isn't actually that funny; it has some good moments but they are in the minority compared to the rest of the film that is mostly just so-so.

Henry's white makeup is impressive but once the novelty value has worn off there isn't a great deal left. His mimicry is good but his character voice (an American accent for Miles) is weak and generally his performance is only OK. His main problem is with the weak material he is given to work with; I'm not a big fan of him generally but he can do better than this. Langella is OK in support but not given that much to do – although his role is massive compared to the wasted presence of JT Walsh. Lane is pretty poor – not sure if he was trying to make himself the comedy Spike Lee but it didn't work.

Overall this is a pretty average film at best, but it isn't at its best that often. It is undemanding nonsense that will please some viewers and the white makeup is impressive but it must be said that the majority of viewers will find this comedy rather lacking in laughter and wit. Mindless stuff all round.