Cookout

Rating:
Summary: Awful script, wasted cast
Review: Another talented cast wasted on awful writing. Queen Latifah's appearance made this movie bearable to watch.

Rating:
Summary: Weak! Weak! Weak!
Review: I can't even believe that folks actually thought this was a funny movie. It had a few moments, and I mean a few, but it just wasn't enough to justify paying 19 bucks for this. The concept was a good one cuz anybody in the african american community knows what it's like when we have "our" family cookouts anuually. However, along with a great idea came miscasting. For one, how does Ja Rule, Eve, or even Quran Pender (who I've never heard of) get casted for a movie like this when it's clear they cannot act. Meagan Good went from the cute sassy girl on Eve's Bayou to now playing hoochies on a regular? Secondly, how do you cast Queen Latifah, Danny Glover of all people, Farah Fawcett, Tim Meadows, and the beautiful Jennifer Lewis and Frankie Faison, all veteran actors and actresses who's been in the game a long long time and instead of creating a script and letting them enhance the script, Lance Rivera makes them look bufoonish. Well, there you have it, Lance "um" Rivera. Lance stick to making videos and leave the big screen to real directors. They should have never entrusted a cast that i just mentined to an amatuer like Rivera. A wasted script with quality actors and actresses. Yes, it's a matter of opinion and this opinion states that this movie stinks.

Rating:
Summary: The Cookout
Review: I wouldn't rush out to see this. I almost fell asleep with about 5 others. By far the worst flick I have seen the Queen in.

Rating:
Summary: Pointless Entertainment!
Review: Queen Latifah is not off to a good career anymore. I mean, it was hard to believe that this movie was thought up by an Oscar nominee. Hilarious in "Bringing Down the House," great in "Chicago." Then in one month she is in both "Taxi," and "The Cookout?" It's one of those things that I will never get. Ever since 2001, when "Barbershop" came out, and was a hit, I just keep seeing movies like it. "The Cookout" could be considered a brother to "Barbershop," because most of the story just involves people talking. I'm giving this the same amount of stars as "Barbershop" because this one was entertaining. "Barbershop" had some kind of heart, but this movie was only just witty. In fact, I'm getting quite sick of the genre. The best character in the movie was probably the one played by Tim Meadows, because I laughed at his theories. Especially the one about hockey. He claims that hockey is racist, because it's a bunch of white guys hitting a black puck. We know that if the puck was white it would be hard to see on the ice, but try explaining that to him. I am also amused by the career turn of Danny Glover. After taking a big genre turn in "Saw," I was amazed to see him now in this movie. I think he's having problem finding work. The last great thing I saw him in was "The Royal Tenenbaums," and both "Saw" and "The Cookout" cannot compare to that.

The movie begins with Todd Anderson at the annual NBA draft. He is drafted, and is going to get about thirty million dollars in the next six years. He promises to his family that he is not going to change, but then ends up buying a huge house for him and his new girlfriend Brittany. His mother, Lady Em, does not approve of her or her son's new lifestyle, but his father, JoJo, is just amazed at the size, and they decide to have their next family cookout, later that weekend, at his house, and his mother gets complete control over it. The problem is that the day of the cookout is also when Todd's agent, Wes, wants to get an interview with the repersentive of a cell phone industry so Todd could get on some television commericals. She ends up going to the cookout, and expecting to see Todd as a well-dressed and proper star. But, the family begins to arrive, and they are a loud, noisy, bunch that are looking for their good time. Todd also invites the interracial couple next door, which includes the rich white wife, and the proper black man, who I don't think even knew that he was black. Meanwhile, the secruity guard at the gate, who is played by Queen Latifah, is watching Todd's family come in, and, because she is trying to pass her police exam, is very pushy about it, including her running into the house in a SWAT uniform at one point. Another meanwhile is a former schoolmate of Todd's who wants to befriend Todd again so that he could get sneakers signed, sell them, and make some money, and he won't let go.

I would have been happier if 75 percent of the movie was just the family sitting around and talking. Those were the most entertaining scenes, instead of including everything about the basketball draft, and even the entire subplot about his former classmate. It was just plain pointless, and actually put a halt to the story. There is no point to "The Cookout." No conflict, and rare funny parts. I can't really recommend it, but I am giving it the three star, fair rating, based on the entertainment value. It's not something I will tell you to drop everything and run to the theatre, but it offers a few laughs. It does made you hungry though, and it made me want to get together with my family, and have a big dinner. Unlike "Barbershop," I didn't mind seeing another. I could have seen that gang get together and talk again. If they made "The Cookout 2," I think that would be a mistake. End it now, and my advice to Queen Latifah, go back to your old tricks, they worked very well.

ENJOY!

Rated PG-13 for drug content, sexual references and language.

Rating:
Summary: pretty funny
Review: the cookout was a pretty funny movie directed by lance rivera. and girls like meagan good, and eve is really hot.

Rating:
Summary: fun movie
Review: the cookout was a very funny movie too watch. sicne there were scenes that made me laugh nonstop.

Rating:
Summary: Matter of Opinion
Review: The lady at Hollywood Video asked me if I was ready to see "Cookout" and I was confused by her question. She told me it wasn't good, but one of the other employees told me that he thought it was good. I shrugged and said I'd get it anyway. This movie was great. I don't know what she's talking about! The lead character is gorgeous and all the supporting characters played their role to a tea. I think there's something a little off IN REAL LIFE about the sidekick who got sprayed by a skunk, but other than that, the movie was an honest portrayal about what happens when people run into money, capture their dreams as a basketball player, and black family cookouts.

Rating:
Summary: Again, The Queen Saves the Day...
Review: Think of this picture as an urban "Christmas Vacation." The whole family comes over to Todd's new mansion, have a cookout, and chaos ensues. Todd is a recently recruited NBA player, Jennifer Lewis plays his common sense mother, who believes in family, Eve plays Todd's childhood friend, but it is Queen Latifah who steals the show as a full throttle security guard. EVERY scene she's in is funny, and it shows what a shiny talent she is. Tim Meadows, Farrah Fawcett, and Danny Glover round out this impressive cast. Some of the humor is VERY stereotypical, but still pretty funny. A funny movie with a heartfelt message about family, self pride, and values.

Rating:
Summary: this movie rocks
Review: this is one of the most funniest movie ive ever seen. most of the parts had me laughing from beggining to end. so if you like comedies go see this movie.

Rating:
Summary: "The Cookout" (2004)
Review: This was an ok moive. There were some funny parts but it is not worth running out to see. Queen Latifa is funny and I like her. Overall see this movie only if you want.