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Don't Be a Menace... (1996)
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Reviews Counted:23
Fresh:7
Rotten:16
Average Rating:4.6/10
Runtime: 89 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: This film is a parody of the recent "hood" movies made by African-American directors, in particular John Singleton's "Boyz 'N the Hood." The plot focuses on Ashtray, a do-gooder who comes to... This film is a parody of the recent "hood" movies made by African-American directors, in particular John Singleton's "Boyz 'N the Hood." The plot focuses on Ashtray, a do-gooder who comes to South Central L.A. to live with his father. Unfortunately, Dad turns out to be a poor role model, as he extols the virtues of unsafe sex and drunk driving. Ashtray's cousin Loc Dog is no better, with his hair-trigger temper and extensive weaponry (including a nuclear bomb). Ashtray manages to find romance with a pretty poet named Dashiki, but it turns out that she's a little too popular with the men in her neighborhood -- and not for her writing skills. Will Ashtray become disillusioned by what he's seen and experienced in South Central? [More]
Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Tracey Cherelle Jones, Chris Spencer
Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Tracey Cherelle Jones, Chris Spencer, Suli McCullough, Darrell Heath, Kim Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Bernie Mac, LaWanda Page, Yvette Wilson, Paula Jai Parker
Director: Paris Barclay
Director: Paris Barclay
Producer: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Eric L. Gold
Screenwriter: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans
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Reviews for Don't Be a Menace...
The gags -- like most of the Wayanses' humor -- range from astute satire to lowest-common-denominator yucks.
Too many gags fall flat, or are cheap and sleazy instead of clever and witty.
Full of very obvious spoofery, and funnier in concept than in execution.
If I see one more movie featuring that current favorite of obnoxious movie stereotypes -- the pair of abrasive Asian convenience store owners -- I'm not going to even going to think twice before getting up and leaving the theatre.
If you really want to appreciate this film, go see all the hood movies from the 90s - good and bad.
There's maybe three or four half-decent chuckles to be found in this otherwise interminable 90-minute mega-chore.
Outrageous is the key word here. In many successful scenes, the Wayans deftly play on our assumptions and cliches.
Latest News for Don't Be a Menace...
July 13, 2006:
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 57% 57% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
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