Malibu's Most Wanted - Rapimento a Malibu

Trying to sell my friends on this film, which I love, I tell them to think of it as 'The Jerk' for the new millennium. You know the bit: An innocent goof lives his life seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is, eh.... um... Well, oblivious to who he is -- his talents (or lack), and most importantly, to the way every other living being perceives him.

Hijinx ensues. --Very, very world-class embarrassing hi jinx.

The idea of the world's lamest rapper may be barely weighty enough for a solid 4 minute sketch on SNL or in Living Color. But the makers, with the amazing Jamie Kennedy in the center of the thing, have gone for the burn, taking an hour and a half to shake out every possibility of the concept. Surprisingly, it's time well spent. More happens plot wise here than in the Steve Martin vehicle. The situations are multiplied, and with them the opportunities for some pretty incredible shtick.

Malibu's Most Wanted is the cult film of tomorrow. The humor may not be close to the same league as Airplane or Kung Fu Hustle, and in fact seems to issue from the pits of over-commercialized multiplex teen formula comedy that I and a lot of other people groan at with regularity. But it brushes lightly with inspired comic genius. That's pretty vague. But I don't know how else to characterize a film -- even a dumb, almost insulting one -- that renders me helpless with laughter a couple of times, and manages a carload of solid giggles and grins. It may be a special taste film. But if you are open to it, it's worth your while.

9 of 10 stars

Not a movie that could be made nowadays and not for easily offended people. I did laugh because the movie was pretty stupid as it made fun of "posers."

Surprisingly funny even for a jokey movie. The acting was decent and the storyline had a few unique moments. Not terribly hokey. Just keep expectations low and enjoy the few hits.

MBW is one of those movies that is humorous because the characters are kinda stupid but funny. Kennedy plays the seemingly stereotypical role of "black-wannabe-gangsta-trapped-in-white-boy's-body", but i think we've seen this role in movies quite too often (actually Mitch Mullany did a better job in The Breaks). The definitely could've done a better job w/ the plot line, but I suppose they did a good job by using the equation character stupidity = loads of laughs. I think they made Kennedy's character more stupid than he deserved to be. Then again, the whole movie I think was just a big tease about how a lot of kids nowadays (whether from the 'hoods of Compton or Malibu) are trying to emulate the lifestyles/persona of real hip-hop stars. It was a silly yet funny movie, I think more of the "crack-up-laughing" kind of movie vs. lighthearted humor (like Sandler's Anger Management). So yes, don't expect a strong story but go there for the laughs. One note though, they should've made Snoop Dogg's dialogue more like the way he really talks/raps...it seemed a bit "censored" to me...perhaps they did it to make the PG-13 cut. For shizzos, my nizzos. Don't be hatin'! :)

** out of 5 for storyline ***** out of 5 for laugh factor

Malibu's Most Wanted is one of the craziest films of 2003 Jamie Kennedy delivers a hilarious performance as Brad B-rad Gluckman a white rapper who acts like a black rapper. His father (O'Neal) wants to run for governor but his son's antics are hurting his chances of winning so he hires actors to be gangsters who kidnap B-rad and try to scare him into being a white man again. Regina Hall is amusing as Shondra who in the beginning thinks he's strange but towards the end she falls for him and accepts him for who he truly is. Malibu's Most Wanted is one of those films that leaves you feeling funny and stupid all together but has some hilarious scenes and can be enjoyed by anyone who prefers this brand of comedy. I give it 7 out of 10 stars.