MONEY TALKS (1997)

Directed By: Brett Ratner
Written By: Joel Cohen & Alec Sokolow
Cinematography By: Russell Carpenter & Robert Primes
Editor: Mark Helfrich

Cast: Chris Tucker, Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Paul Sorovino, Faizon Love, Elise Neal, Damien Chapa, David Warner, Paul Gleason, Michael Wright, Daniel Roebuck, Veronica Cartwright


Sought by police and criminals, a small-time hustler makes a deal with a TV newsman for protection.

This film seems to have a 70’s or 80’s vibe to it. Unfortunately it was made in the 90’s and just seems like a tired forced buddy comedy of a black hustler and a straight laced reporter teaming up for no real good reason, but through it all they become friends.

The film has it’s humorous moments but is instantly forgettable. The film really depends on how much you enjoy Chris Tucker who I have no problem with in films like FRIDAY and DEAD PRESIDENTS. Here he doesn’t really assert himself or a comic personea.

Everything about this film is basic and by the book nothing is really original or interesting what you see is what you get and I can’t fault the filmmakers for it. They knew they weren’t making great art. I listened to the audio commentary and if you dislike Brett Ranter I would not suggest listening to it. It will only make you dislike him more as he acts like the making of this film was some great achievement.
The film looks pretty, and has jokes in it. That is all there really is to ay about the film it’s not deep and not really all that special it’s almost like it came off of a assembly line. Like films Like ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS. It seems a film to test a upcoming African-American comedians clout at the box office and see how he asserts himself as star of a film and just in case give him a dependable minor white star to co-star and help legitimize the film a bit. Kind of like Eddie Murphy with 48 HOURS which made a impact because it was revolutionary as one of the first of it’s kind . This film is like the 167th of it’s kind and doesn’t differentiate itself at all.

Antwone Fisher did a un-credited Rewrite on the film.

I do believe Chris Tucker is funny and has talent. While the film seems to fit his comic personea by putting him in the middle of explosions. Maybe ho would have been better served material wise by a smaller film. That was more comedic and character based since it seems after this film.He seemed more set on action first comedy second. Fast based films and only working with one director who he trusts. Though who made him a star, but didn't necessarily give him or leave him with career longevity. It did lethim have instant success.

Chris tucker's early career had a range of working with different dynamic directors and genres with characters. His later career seems like the same movie remade over and over.

It reminds me of Eddie Mirphy's recent career moves with director Brian robbins. Who he has had some success with, but also a lot of disappointments with while being cinematically empty vehicles that rarely show the depth of his talent.

With all of the spectacle of the film it just makes no sense for it to be this big especially when you try to figure it out though it is not a smart script. Things move so fast it is hard to really think of the story or really anything going on so you just sit back and watch.

I don’t have too much to say about it as it doesn’t really set itself apart as something special.

GRADE: D