All About the Benjamins (2002)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Kevin Bray

Writers (WGA):

Ronald Lang (written by) and
Ice Cube (written by)

Release Date:

8 March 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Thriller

Tagline:

Money can make people do funny things.

Plot:

A bounty hunter is on the trail of a conman who skipped bail. The two wind up in a deserted warehouse where they witness a diamond scam in action...

Plot Keywords:

Bounty Hunter | Diamond | Sex Standing Up | Sniper | Caper

Cast

Ice Cube	...	Bucum
Mike Epps	...	Reggie (as Michael Epps)
Tommy Flanagan	...	Williamson
Carmen Chaplin	...	Ursula
Eva Mendes	...	Gina
Valarie Rae Miller	...	Pam
Anthony Giaimo	...	Martinez
Jeff Chase	...	Mango
Roger Guenveur Smith	...	Julian Ramose
Gino Salvano	...	Mickey
Tony Ward	...	TJ
Dominic Chianese Jr.	...	Roscoe
Anthony Michael Hall	...	Lil J
Antoni Corone	...	Captain Briggs (as Antoni Cornacchione)
Bob Carter	...	Mr. Barkley

Also Known As:

All About the Money (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language and brief sexuality.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA | Germany

Language:

English | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

South Korea:15 | Spain:18 | New Zealand:R16 | Netherlands:12 | Australia:MA (cable rating) | Germany:18 | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R (certificate #38559) | Philippines:R-18 | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Florida, USA

Company:

New Line Cinema

Goofs:

Continuity: When Buccum chases Reggie into the building where the Diamon Heist takes place, he stops his car directly in front of the gates and runs in, then moments later the robbers drive through the gate and his car is mysteriously no longer there.

Quotes:

Bucum: Shoot out the back tire!
Reggie: Who do you think I am, Mel Gibson?

Movie Connections:

References Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Soundtrack:

Shake Ya Ass

Dull, insipid and tired.

For a brainless hour and a half, All About The Benjamins delivers in spades. Whilst it's not a completely dire film, it certainly doesn't add up to a worthwhile experience. Heralding itself as an action comedy, what we actually get are a clutch of tired premises, a sloppy plot and some seriously uneven performances. However, there are some good times to be had, with the occasional one-liners hitting the mark every once in a while. However, those brief moments certainly do not equate to an entertaining piece. The plot is flimsy at best. Bucum Jackson is a bounty hunter that always manages to get himself in trouble. After yet another dressing down from his boss Martinez, he discovers that Reggie Wright is in hot water again. Reggie is a simple yet fast-talking conman, and even has some elderly women helping him in his quest for the next quick buck. Once he sees that Bucum is on his trail, he scarpers, yet manages to stumble upon a much more dangerous operation. A vicious criminal is planning to exchange stolen diamonds worth $20 million dollars, and nothing will stand in his way. Reggie hides out in the back of the getaway van, but is quickly found out. After a narrow escape, he returns home to his girlfriend Gina, and watches the lottery on television. It turns out that they have won, and $60 million dollars could soon be theirs. However, Reggie accidentally left his wallet, with the ticket inside, back in the van, which incenses them both. Angry, he encounters Bucum again, who is determined to throw him in jail. Suspicious of his claims to have won the lottery, Bucum reluctantly goes along with Reggie's claims of diamond theft, and soon finds out that he's telling the truth. Bucum wants to find the diamonds before the Miami police department do, to prove to them that he's got what it takes to become a private detective, whilst Reggie simply wants to get his ticket back. They become partners, and go ahead with their plan to outsmart the bad guys. But many obstacles lie in their path, and both could soon find their lives in danger.

All About The Benjamins is a typical example of what not to do with the "Action Comedy" genre. Firstly, you need a plot that is engaging, and will entice the audience to keep their eyes on the screen. Some ill advised salty language and a few explosions aren't going to get you to the top of the box office. Secondly, you need crisp, competent direction, yet this one is all over the place. Finally, and most importantly, you need characters that you can care about, and have endearing qualities. This bunch of Muppets could be under the wheels of a Juggernaut and I still wouldn't give a damn. Everyone manages to do something wrong somewhere along the way. Ice Cube is no leading man. He lacks presence, and the only time he seems to be real is when yet another expletive comes out of his mouth. Mike Epps is on a one-man mission to be the next Chris Tucker, but fails miserably here. Whilst he is given the majority of the best lines, his delivery is far too energetic and desperate to warrant interest. Eva Mendes appears to have the capability to be a good actress, yet is left playing the helpless woman looking on. That same predicament falls on Valarie Rae Miller, as Bucum's friend Pam. Tommy Flanagan is a laughable villain, whilst Roger Guenveur Smith and Carmen Chaplin are completely inept as his bumbling henchmen. Yet having said all this, All About The Benjamins isn't unbearable. If you can manage to sit there and watch it all, the standard flashy action is a great way to switch off and relax. Just kick back and watch them make complete fools of themselves for your own amusement. That certainly wasn't its intention, but it sure as hell beats taking it seriously. Definitely not one to make an effort for.