Bringing Down the House

2003, Comedy, 1h 45m

151 Reviews 250,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Though the cast shines, they can't save this comedy, which is overly contrived and filled with outdated and offensive racial jokes. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Lawyer Peter Sanderson (Steve Martin) wants to dive back into dating after his divorce and has a hard time meeting the right women. But he lucks out with online dating and meets a fellow lawyer. The two agree to meet in the flesh, but the woman he meets -- an escaped African-American convict named Charlene (Queen Latifah) -- is not what he expected. Peter is freaked out, but Charlene convinces him to take her case and prove her innocence, and along the way they learn to become friends.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Language|Drug Material|Sexual Humor)
  • Genre:
    Comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Adam Shankman
  • Producer:
    David Hoberman, Ashok Amritraj
  • Writer:
    Jason Filardi
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $132.5M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Touchstone Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Steve Martin
Peter Sanderson
Queen Latifah
Charlene Morton
Eugene Levy
Howie Rottman
Joan Plowright
Mrs. Arness
Jean Smart
Kate
Missi Pyle
Ashley
Kimberly J. Brown
Sarah Sanderson
Steve Harris
Widow
Angus T. Jones
Georgey Sanderson
Michael Rosenbaum
Todd Gendler
Betty White
Mrs. Kline
Adam Shankman
Director
Jason Filardi
Writer
David Hoberman
Producer
Ashok Amritraj
Producer
Jane Bartelme
Executive Producer
Queen Latifah
Executive Producer
Todd Lieberman
Co-Producer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Bringing Down the House

All Critics (151) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (100)

View All Critic Reviews (151)

Audience Reviews for Bringing Down the House

  • Aug 01, 2013
    Though it's slightly emphatic from the amount of racial humor, Bringing Down the House is a charming comedy. Steve Martin is slick and humorous as only he can do. Combine that with the stylish and pizzazz of one Queen Latifah, along with a sleek amount of supporting actors, you've got yourself quite the cast. 4/5
    Eugene B Super Reviewer
  • Apr 30, 2012
    You think that Steve Martin and Queen Latifah would be good together, but NOooooooooo, this combination sucked. It lacks a smart script, and funny jokes.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Jun 24, 2011
    A great feel good comedy!
    Bethany M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 06, 2009
    This Movie reminds me a little bit of the Movie House Sitter?
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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