"JAP" meets rap in Marci X, a feel-good comedy that was filmed in 2000 and shelved for three years. Despite its lowly fate, this cross-cultural satire has a respectable pedigree, written by In and Out screenwriter Paul Rudnick (A.K.A. Premiere magazine columnist "Libby Gelman-Waxner") and directed with surprising vitality by Hollywood veteran Richard Benjamin, who seems doomed to a string of flops. Lisa Kudrow is perfectly cast as a Jewish socialite whose corporate mogul father (Benjamin) is being ruined by controversy involving a raunchy hip-hop star (Damon Wayans) on his payroll, and an ultra-conservative senator (Christine Barnaski) who demands censorship and public apologies. Aided by Marc Shaiman's catchy spoof-songs, Rudnick and Benjamin earn some big laughs when Kudrow and Wayans hook up for some color-blind synergy, but Marci X never quite hits a groove. It was stale before its release, and toothless when it should have had bite. Still, it's recommendable as Benjamin's most ambitious comedy since 1982's My Favorite Year. --Jeff Shannon
2.
When notorious gangsta rapper Dr. S. (Damon Wayans) releases a controversial new CD, straightlaced senator Mary Ellen Sprinkle (Christine Baranski) calls for a boycott of his record label. Much to upstanding citizen and media mogul Ben Feld's (Richard Benjamin) chagrin and surprise, he owns the label, a shock that sends him straight to the hospital. Determined to help out her ailing father, stereotypical Jewish American Princess and Manhattan socialite Marci Feld (Lisa Kudrow) takes matter into her own hands and tries to clean up Dr. S.' act in hopes of fielding an apology from the hardcore rapper. Marci raps about fashion, takes the fast-talking ladies man to charity events where he woos her friends and other high society ladies, and wins over the attendees at his nightclub with interpretive dance. Along the way, this unlikely couple falls in love despite valiant attempts by Dr. S.' girlfriend, Yolanda (Paula Garcés), to keep her man. Wayans' over-the-top wardrobe by itself is enough to garner a chuckle. Star Richard Benjamin (MY FAVORITE YEAR, MERMAIDS) also directed this satirical look at rap, race relationships, and politics, which features original songs by Marc Shaiman (composer for HAIRSPRAY) and Mervyn Warren.
3.
It's a hilarious culture clash when a born-to-shop socialite tries to save her father's record label by convincing a hip-hop star to clean up his act.
Mooviees.com is not the official site for this film.
All editorial views and opinions expressed here are for entertainment purposes only.
<>
Movie Database
In Theaters
