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Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008)

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24 comments in total

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10 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
Another perspective?, 15 February 2008

Author: laaad

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I read a lot of other comments and just wanted to offer a different perspective. Many of us have family members that are almost as embarrassing as some of those depicted in the film. While I too agree that the character "Roscoe Jenkins" was justified in his position to leave home so that he could arise above the negativity in his family environment, I also feel that the movie showed his final obligation to accept family as they are.

No matter how successful we are in our careers nothing can compare to being successful in our family relationships. In the end Roscoe and his dad realized the value of having each other and they respected each other's position for the first time.

Let's face it. When we all checkout of this life it's only family that matters. People don't normally wish for more money or fame on their dying bed. However they may regret that they didn't make the extra effort to accept family just as they are (whether you agree with them or not).

Just like the comedians that make us laugh when they share their pain, so do many laugh at movies like this because they see their own family represented to some extent. In real-life it's hard to laugh at. On film it is amazingly ridiculously funny. Just another perspective....

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10 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-
This MOVIE was funny... Yes, MOVIE, 11 February 2008

Author: timelless from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This MOVIE was funny beginning to end. It also told a story about life! If you went to see this movie expecting a big story line.... a big climatic ending.... a moving personal event then you would be let down. If you went to enjoy a funny movie with a good purpose you probably enjoyed it. The theater we were in were laughing hysterically throughout the movie; so much so it was sometimes hard to hear the follow up lines. ****THIS MAY BE CONSIDERED A SPOILER**** The ending was weird though, I would have liked to have seen the "tv show" before the credits. It was hilarious but most people, including myself were beginning to exit the theater and had to stop in the aisle. Other than that good movie worth the $20 it cost to see it.

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13 out of 23 people found the following comment useful :-
Attempts to be a good family comedy, but it's crude and un-funny., 12 February 2008

Author: mgayles2005 from United States

"Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins", is a semi enjoyable family comedy, that has its heart in the right place, but lacks in the laugh department.

Martin Lawrence stars as Roscoe Jenkins, the host of a raunchy talk show in LA. He's got an annoying fiancée who won survivor, by trading her panties for cake or something.

When his parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, it's time for Roscoe to return home. Home being some unflattering place in Georgia. The south is never portrayed well in movies.

While at home in Georgia, Roscoe must learn the true meaning of family. He even rekindles a lost romance with a southern beauty queen.

I found the story kind of strange. Roscoe didn't do anything wrong when he went to LA and became a successful talk show host. He doesn't deserve the scorn he gets when he returns home. Is moving far away from your tiny home town, and becoming a success a bad thing? His family is clearly jealous of all his success.

If I grew up around people trying to keep me trapped in Georgia, I'd be on the fist plane out of there. And for some odd reason his father is more proud of his Roscoe's cousin Clyde who sells cars. In fact, everyone is.

When he arrives they rush to greet him, as if he was a big celebrity. If this was real life the talk show host would be worshipped a lot more then the car salesman. And Clyde's a real jerk too. Much more of a jerk then Roscoe. Everyone seems to know he's a jerk, and yet they still like him more then Roscoe.

The entire film sets you up to hate Roscoe, but I thought he one of the least annoying Martin Lawrence creations. After the first act, I was hoping he'd ditch his annoying relatives and head back to LA. That's how much I hated the family.

"Welcome Home…", has a great cast. Besides Martin Lawrence there's James Earl Jones playing his father, Margery Avery as his mother, Michael Clark Duncan as his brother (strange genetics), Mike Epps as his cousin, Nicole Ari parker as the old love interest, and Monique is just brilliant as his sister. She plays her role as a sinning Christian with great wit, charm and charisma. Her scenes are the best in the movie.

Mike Epps does a good job as the no good cousin. It's the most challenging role, but he gets a few laughs out of it.

James Earl Jones isn't trying very hard playing the father. I think he was in this picture for the money. I cant blame him for doing that, but I just wish he gave a better performance.

"Welcome Home…", definitely has its heart in the right place. The movie has a positive message, unlike the crap-tastic Mad Money, which says money buys happiness and encourages stealing. However, you can see exactly where the movie is going, and the ending is a little absurd.

What really kills this film is its crude sense of humor. This should have been a more serious film, with an intelligent sense of humor. Instead we get a lot slap stick violence, crude sex jokes, and animals humping. When I see this kind of humor in a serious movie, it comes off as desperate.

If low brow humor is your thing you might enjoy this movie. I didn't care much for it.

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
It's actually kinda fun, 26 June 2008

Author: Kristine (kristinedrama14@msn.com) from Chicago, Illinois

Last year when I saw the trailer for Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, I wasn't expecting much, I'm not a fan by any means with Martin Lawrence. When I looked at the rating here on IMDb at the time of it's theatrical release, it was low, I wasn't sure if that's because people just had low expectations or if it really was that bad of a movie. So I decided to wait for the rental. Well I watched it the other day and honestly Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins is not as bad as I was expecting, I laughed more than a few times. I think the problem with it is that we have all seen this film before. The script is also semi-insulting with the stereotypes, so I can understand why a lot of people hate this movie, but I think everyone just needs to let go with this film while watching it. The story is typical but you have to admit there are some good laughs in it.

Roscoe Jenkins is a very successful man, he's a host of a new talk show and author of a self help book, everyone loves him pretty much, including his Survivor wanna be star fiancée, Bianca. But when his son wants to go to his family's big BBQ reunion down in Atlanta, Roscoe decides that it's time for them to meet his new fiancée and life. But what Bianca is not expecting is his crazy family that will just drive them crazy. But Roscoe sees an old crush with his "brother like" enemy, Clyde, flames spark up again, questioning what Roscoe's true roots are.

While Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins is typical, has some interesting cast members, and can be a bit insulting, I still feel like this movie really didn't mean to hurt anyone, just to have fun and deliver a few laughs. Like I said, just this movie has been done before so many times with the crazy family and you can predict what will happen at the end, but still, I enjoyed this movie and thought it was fun at best. Just the only thing I didn't get was how the whole family picked on him about his success, I mean, I'd get into his good graces to share some that fun money he must be rolling around in, lol. But I would recommend this movie, just you have to be open to it and just have fun, I guarantee you'll get a few good laughs.

5/10

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Lively and yes, funny, 23 June 2008

Author: (bob-rutzel-1) from United States

Successful Talk Show Host RJ (Lawrence) is besieged to come back home for his parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary.

I was skeptical, I was wary, I wasn't sure, but this time the promos didn't let me down. This was good. Since the basic theme was a grand family reunion, you know the usual obligatory things will be performed, a softball game, (with other families it may be a touch football game), an obstacle course (okay, this is a new one that I've witnessed, but there you are) and other family things, etc. Nothing new here. But, what keeps this movie fresh is the quick and lively dialogue from all the cast. It didn't feel scripted. It was like eavesdropping on the goings on and the timing, by all, was excellent. And, you know you need good timing when slap-stick comedy is performed. Also, the music throughout was perfect.

This was without a doubt a cast of characters, and not your usual every day family members and each character member had his or her own shtick and this helped make this a fun movie.

Joy Bryant who played Bianca must have gone to the Molly Sims School of Acting because I kept seeing and hearing Ms. Sims whenever Ms Bryant was on screen. Hey, this is a good thing, not a criticism. She was good. Nicole Ari Parker who played Lucinda is absolutely beautiful. I am sure we will see more of these two women in future movies.

It is indeed rare that promos deliver when it comes to comedy, but this time they did. How about that!

Violence: Yes, family fighting stuff, Sex: Yes, Dog Sex: Yes, two go at it. Nudity: No, Language: Yes, some, not much

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Not worth a plugged nickel!, 7 July 2008

Author: mwgrigs from United States

This is a terribly disappointing movie. With such a well-known cast I was expecting something with a great deal more substance. I'll admit that the overall message of depending on family regardless of differences and personalities is a respectable message, however, the means certainly did not justify the end in this case. The unrestrained (and unnecessary) profanity, explicit sex scenes (with the dogs) and the rude, uncouth and vulgar mouth of Monique (who comes off as just plain ol' trashy) does not do the movie, the actors or the message any justice.

Every one of these actors has portrayed highly memorable characters in other works, yet this was a break from good, wholesome fun, into raunchy, loudmouthed, predictable, almost cartoonish antics. The movie was extremely shallow.

Regrettably, this movie does nothing but reinforce negative associations for the black (African-American) community. After all of the struggles put forth by civil rights activists, why would these actors go to such lengths to erode all the good that was accomplished? Seems self-defeating to me.

From the caliber of these actors I expected so much more. Very disappointing.

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2 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Going home is no vacation., 23 June 2008

Author: moviewizguy from United States

A successful talk show host leaves Los Angeles to reunite with his family in the Deep South.

By the end of this movie's trailer, you would've thought "Oh, not again." No, that's what you were thinking. Don't deny it. Even I did too. But the trailer is very misleading and I found myself liking this movie more than I was going to. A lot more.

What I loved about this movie were the characters and moral. And yes, I loved those things. Each of the characters are unique and have their own memorable moments. Also, this movie had some pretty decent jokes, much better than many other comedies released this time who use clichéd and predictable jokes.

What I also admired about this movie was the family matter and moral this movie was trying to give out. I found it oddly touching and very sweet. Unfortunately, the other jokes this movie seem to have were also predictable, gross, unfunny, and crude. Some scenes in the movie just ruin the sweets scenes before it because it felt like the filmmakers just want to make people laugh.

Like I said, the characters were memorable. The most notable were James Earl Jones, Nicole Ari Parker, and Mo'Nique. Mo'Nique, I must say, is the funniest character in here, in my opinion. She throws each joke at you and you can't have enough!

Yes, the trailers for this movie were misleading so the movie was actually quite decent. The jokes were actually funny, the characters memorable, and the moral is very touching for anyone who has a family. Sure, it had its bad moments but this is better than most comedies released this year.

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4 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
A decent comedy with some chuckles but nothing mind blowing by any means, 20 February 2008

Author: Robert W. (Robert_duder@hotmail.com) from Ontario, Canada

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins is exactly what you might expect. In an attempt to mimic the recent inexplicable success of the Tyler Perry films and TV Series, it's all about African American family getting together and they all have wacky different personalities and enter slapstick comedy, one liners, stereotypes, and sexual jokes. That sounds like a bad thing but it turns out a relatively entertaining comedy, if not a little run of the mill. Director and writer of the film Malcolm D. Lee has not had a lot of experience as a big screen director and I think in some ways his inexperience shows through a little. I mean the film has some good laughs it just doesn't hold your attention very long. The characters are just so overblown and there is some sort of messed up moral there somewhere that just doesn't work out very well. It's supposed to be this feel good moment when Roscoe realizes the error of his ways and comes around but it's not as climatic as it could have been. The very weak romance that exists has very little chemistry. So the film really does rely on the comedic talents of it's star and the physical comedy which does manage to get a few chuckles.

Martin Lawrence stars as Roscoe "RJ" Jenkins. I do like Lawrence, he does always seem to play the same sort of character but he does have great comedic timing and he really is terrific at physical comedy which I love and I have great respect for a comedian who does it right. Lawrence is very watchable as Roscoe and definitely carries the film. Joy Bryant plays the high maintenance fiancé to Roscoe, Bianca. She does a good job as well. Her and Lawrence have Zero chemistry and actually look ridiculous together I think. I suppose they aren't supposed to look good together. Still she makes a good villain and someone you'll love to hate. Nicole Ari Parker plays the 'other girl' Roscoe's true love and childhood sweetheart. I hate to say it but Parker is bland and looks like a deer in the headlights. She has almost as little chemistry with Lawrence and she IS supposed to have chemistry with him. She just looks bored or tired or something but doesn't fit the cast. Cedric The Entertainer who I also think can be a very funny guy plays Lawrence's rival and cousin. He is decent but just kind of does his thing and never really makes any significant addition to the cast. The real charm in the film is the incredible supporting cast that make up the wild family including the incredible James Earl Jones, Margaret Avery, and Michael Clarke Duncan (who is terrific as Roscoe's older stronger brother.) The two members of the cast who significantly drag this cast down are Mo'Nique as a stereotypical, trashy, sleazy girl who wants nothing more than to have a lot of sex. Her role is demeaning and as hard as she tries to be funny...she isn't. And Mike Epps who is a decent comedian sometimes and even this role is kind of funny but he gets lost in the bland characterization of his character.

Most will find the film genuinely funny and it is but it won't stick with you. It's not something that will become a classic comedy unless you're a huge Martin Lawrence fan. It certainly doesn't seem to hold the charm, wit, or wacky comedy that Tyler Perry's comedies seem to have although I have yet to see one. Basically as a Saturday night fun flick to rent on DVD you might not be disappointed but it certainly isn't something to rush out and see in the theaters. So far following the amazing year that was 2007, 2008 is doing a lot of average flicks and this one will get lost in the shuffle. 7/10

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8 out of 16 people found the following comment useful :-
Distant relatives, 19 February 2008
Author: IrockGswift (IrockGswift@aol.com) from east orange, new jersey

Martin Lawrence has tone down a lot in his recent years. He's a lot more humble and mindful during his interviews. I'm started to see him mature(maybe because he's in his 40s) and not playing that same overzealous type he's been cast as. Roscoe Jenkins was a fairly decent movie and as for laughs Mike Epps stole the show. Monique is crazy as ever and Cedric makes a few laughs himself. This movie has a widely all-star cast such as James Earl Jones who play Martin's (Roscoe Jenkins) dad and Margaret Avery his mom,Michael Clarke Duncan his brother,Nicole Parker who Roscoe had a childhood crush on,and Joy Bryant Roscoe's fiancé. After watching this movie not only speaking for myself I know most people can relate to this film. A sibling rivalry,a flirtatious cousin,and a conservative dad. Everyone has a relative that we normally can't see eye to eye,but at the end of the day they are all family. No matter how successful you've become and without family to support your achievements it means nearly nothing. This movie teaches you that,it's not only where you come from it's who you are,and you wouldn't know that if it wasn't for family.

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36 out of 72 people found the following comment useful :-
A Big Letdown, 9 February 2008

Author: washing1-1 from United States

I was really disappointed in this Movie. I usually only see movies of a more sophisticated, thought provoking quality during its first week in theaters. I was in the mood for some stress relieving comedy and after seeing the trailer, I thought this movie would do the trick. It's almost as if they went through the entire film and pulled out every funny part (believe me, they are just that few) and used them for the preview. I probably laughed only two times during the entire film. Everything else was either already shown in the preview (so it was no longer funny) or so stupid that it didn't even deserve a laugh.

This film totally lacks creativity and, with the exception of all the gross and tacky sexual references, looks as if it were written by a 4th grader (seriously). The only thing truly laughable about this film is the film itself - It's a Big Joke - and The Joke Is On Us!! (the paying viewers). Who did they think their audience would be - Cavemen!? I hate to take it to that extreme, but the script is just that simple.

I wasn't necessarily expecting it to be a great movie (I mean, it is supposed to be a comedy), but since Malcolm D. Lee wrote the Best Man (a very enjoyable film), I thought this movie would at least be worthy of my time and money. Boy, was I wrong. Lee obviously has no real friends, because if he did, they would have told him this project was a load of garbage. I'm still amazed that he was able to secure James Earl Jones' participation in this movie. I am sure he'll still make money because many people will go to see it (with false hopes of a comic relief), but for those of you reading this....I'd recommend waiting for the DVD - or better yet, why not just wait for a movie that is actually deserving of your attention. For those of you who still insist on seeing it anyway, don't say you weren't warned!

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