What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001)

A rich man catches a thief burglarizing his home and steals the thief's lucky ring, who then tries to get it back.

Director:

Sam Weisman

Writers:

Donald E. Westlake (novel), Matthew Chapman (screenplay)

Stars:

Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Lawrence	...	Kevin Caffery
Danny DeVito	...	Max Fairbanks
John Leguizamo	...	Berger
Glenne Headly	...	Gloria Sidell
Carmen Ejogo	...	Amber Belhaven
Bernie Mac	...	Uncle Jack
Larry Miller	...	Earl Radburn
Nora Dunn	...	Lutetia Fairbanks
Richard Schiff	...	Walter Greenbaum
William Fichtner	...	Detective Alex Tardio
Ana Gasteyer	...	Ann Marie
Sascha Knopf	...	Tracey Kimberly
Siobhan Fallon Hogan	...	Edwina (as Siobhan Fallon)
GQ	...	Shelly Nix
Lenny Clarke	...	Windham

Storyline

Thief Kevin Caffery attempts to rob from the home of rich businessman Max Fairbanks. But Fairbanks catches him and steals his cherished ring that his girlfriend gave him. Caffery is then bent on revenge and getting his ring back with the help of his partners.

---

Plot Keywords:

breaking and entering | painting | breakup | boat | obsession | 

---

Taglines:

It takes a thief to nail a crook.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Crime

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Earl Radburn says "...if they could find a certain blue dress..." He is obviously referencing to Monica Lewinsky's blue dress.

---

Goofs

When Berger enters Jack's restaurant, he asks the bartender for "something cold and Bavarian" (a German beer), but in the next shot he is drinking a Peroni (an Italian beer).

---

Quotes

Lutetia Fairbanks: Max, you may be a butthole, but you're my butthole.

---

Connections

References Titanic (1997)

---

Soundtracks

Wind Beneath My Wings
Written by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar

User Reviews

Martin & Danny have great comedic chemistry

If the box office rest of summer ends up as good as this movie was, movie fans will be in for a real treat. Martin Lawrence returns to the big screen with his hilarious brand of humor as he teams with Danny DeVito in "What's The Worst That Can Happen?"

"What's The Worst That Can Happen?" revolves around a would-be burglar named Kevin Caffrey, played by Lawrence, is caught in the act by the home owner, billionaire Max Fairbanks, played by DeVito. The tables are turned when Fairbanks steals Caffrey's ring given to him by his girlfriend. The rest of the film circles around getting the ring back. From this moment on, I knew I was going to be watching one funny film.

Joining Lawrence and DeVito is John Leguizamo as Kevin's partner in crime, Burger, Carmen Ejogo as Kevin's girlfriend Amber and Bernie Mac as Kevin's uncle. The addition of these actors is evidence that "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" is a sure hit with all ages.

Lawrence wears two hats in "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" as producer and star and he has success in both capacities. Furthermore, he was a true asset as an actor in "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" because he brought a unique brand of humor.

His style is one to be proud of because he truly makes the comedy enjoyable and the humor so funny you'll be laughing so hard it will hurt. I appreciate his comedic ability and acting talent.

DeVito adds credibility to one truly fun comedy. I couldn't have asked for a better actor to portray Max Fairbanks. There is not a lot to say about DeVito because his lengthy and steady body of work speaks for him. With so many great films under his belt, I knew I was going to be watching a true master at work.

In addition to credibility, DeVito has presence and humor in that made me smile from ear to ear and start to finish. He is solid comedic genius that brings a great amount of comedy and presence that will leave everyone smiling.

Leguizamo has a true niche for comedy as he proves in "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" I wasn't sure how to gage Leguizamo because I have only seen one other film with him, so I was surprised to learn he was one of funniest and talented actors in the movie.

The chemistry between Lawrence and Leguizamo was perfect because they seemed to work so well together. Leguizamo was a great compliment to Lawrence and his brand of humor. I enjoyed every minute they shared the screen because I knew I was going to laugh.

Ejogo was a true pleasure to watch because she brought excitement and charisma to the movie. I relished each scene she was in because I got the opportunity to see a true natural at work. Mac was a true surprise because I didn't expect him to turn in a good performance.

Ejogo joins a handful of actresses that includes Monica Potter, Kate Beckinsale and James King, who are on my list of nominees for the prestigious honor of being called best newcomers of the year. The true geniuses behind "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" were the writers because they created something special.

The writing in this movie is very enjoyable and good because it compliments Lawrence's comedy and DeVito's humor. The games set up by the writers were incredible fun to watch since each scene skillfully crafted.

Also, the audience received a bonus when the writer added action and suspense. Though "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" succeeds mostly with comedy, it also entertains with action and suspense.

I knew with scenes like Kevin's taunts to Max over his cell-phone while he was in a senate sub-committee, "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" will entertain every single person who buys a ticket for this movie. I could not ask for anything more from the writers of "What's The Worst That Could Happen" because watching this story play out is a thing of beauty.

One solid guarantee I can make to potential viewers of this movie: "What's The Worst That Could Happen" will leave you laughing until it hurts. Lawrence and DeVito are a lethal comedic team that fills the screen with laughter, suspense and action. "What's The Worst That Can Happen?" is one of the most entertaining films I've seen.

The bottom line is this film is harmless fun that will delight and entertain you for two hours. I hope everyone gets the chance to see how great these two talents come together and create one of the funniest movies this year.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

1 June 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

What's the Worst That Could Happen?

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,049,114, 3 June 2001

Gross USA:

$32,269,834

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$38,464,131

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Turman/Morrissey Company, Hyde Park Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1