Movie Review: The Adventures of Pluto Nash

The Adventures of Pluto Nash

Directed by Ron Underwood 

Written by Neil Cuthbert 

Starring Eddie Murphy, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Quaid, John Cleese, Peter Boyle, Jay Mohr

Release Date August 16th, 2002 

There have been a lot of bad things said about The Adventures Of Pluto Nash, a lot of those things stemming from the film's mega-budget and two-year shelf life. A lot of bad things continue to be said, but not by me. While Pluto Nash isn't a great film it's not nearly as bad as many people say it is. Indeed, there are times when even the most talented critics have their knives out preemptively, overly preparing to write a negative review of a movie that arrives with a bit of baggage. 

Eddie Murphy is Pluto Nash, the most popular nightclub owner on the moon. Things couldn't be better, especially after he hires a gorgeous new waitress named Dina (Rosario Dawson). Things change quickly however after Pluto refuses to sell his club to a mobster named Crater. After the club is blown up, Pluto, Dina and Pluto's robot bodyguard Bruno (Dennis Quaid) go on the run and eventually go after Crater. They are helped along the way by a great supporting cast including Pam Grier, Peter Boyle, Jay Mohr, and Luis Guzman.

It's good to see the old cocky, confident Eddie Murphy back even if he isn't at the top of his game. As Pluto Nash, Murphy is back as the conman always two steps ahead of everyone else. Here he’s far more appealing than his recent buffoonish turn in Showtime. Eddie Murphy needs to stop market testing his humor and let loose and in The Adventures of Pluto Nash, he’s almost back to his best. If only he’d stop listening to the people who push him toward PG-13 trash over his more comfortable R-rated space. 

Pluto Nash is a unique combination of 40's gangster movies with cheesy 50's sci-fi and it's those touches of classic genre that provide the film its comic atmosphere. The more modern humor, such as having Hillary Clinton's face on the hundred-dollar bill, isn't funny, admittedly but every comedy has a clunker or two.. Many people, without even seeing this film, said it would suck. I was one of them, if I am being honest. The evidence for the film stinking out loud was overwhelming. So, perhaps, the best review I could give The Adventures Of Pluto Nash is to say that it doesn't completely suck.

Movie Review Monster's Ball

Monster's Ball (2002) 

Directed by Marc Forster 

Written by Milo Addica

Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Heath Ledger, Sean Puffy Combs, Peter Boyle 

Release Date February 8th, 2002 

Published February 7th, 2002 

In my continuing effort to become a more well-rounded filmgoer, I have considered taking an acting class. It might be helpful in understanding just how difficult this craft truly is. After seeing Monster's Ball with Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry, I can save the tuition price. I simply need to purchase this DVD and watch it a few more times as this film is a lesson in what great acting is all about.

The story begins with prison guards preparing for an execution. Billy Bob Thornton is Hank the head guard. Hank has just hired his son Sonny, played by Heath Ledger, to be part of the crew and the execution of Lawrence Musgrove (Sean Combs). It will be the first he has ever taken part in. As Lawrence prepares for his execution he is visited for the last time by his wife Leticia (Halle Berry) and his only son Tyrell (Coronji Calhoun). Lawrence wants a meaningful goodbye but Leticia explains that she is only there so he can say goodbye to his son. In one of the film’s most touching moments Combs explains to his son that he is a bad man and that Tyrell is the only good to have come from his life.

As the preparations for the execution continue, Hank explains to Sonny a tradition known as the Monster’s Ball wherein guards sit with the condemned while he prepares to die. Yet again Combs has an effective bit of dialogue as he discusses the difference between drawing a portrait and taking a photo. The drawings will be important later in the film but not in the way you would expect.

After the execution, a shocking series of events leads Leticia into the arms of Hank, not knowing that Hank had taken part in her husband’s execution. The relationship between Hank and Leticia is complicated, not just because Hank is white and Leticia is black, but because of Hank's father Buck (Peter Boyle), a twisted old racist who has destroyed the lives of everyone he has come into contact with, with his hatred. There are also a series of tragic events that give Hank and Leticia more common ground, albeit a common ground based on pure sadness and desperation.

Both Thornton and Berry are outstanding, they put on a clinic for actors with their perfectly pitched roles. The romance between these two desperate and needy people is communicated by looks and gestures that are uncomfortable and tentative but also tender and longing. The supporting cast is equally good, especially Combs whose natural delivery brings a realistic depth to his character. Heath Ledger deserves extra credit for taking on this highly unglamorous role, his Sonny is skinny and desperately weak willed. Ledger sells it even with a suspect southern accent.

Director Marc Foster pores on the tragedy and sadness. At times it seems a little too much and yet he does manage to make a film that is surprisingly romantic and uplifting. Monsters Ball develops slowly but once Berry and Thornton come together the film lifts to amazing heights. I highly recommend Monster's Ball.