“Mo’ Money” Movie Review

    Growing up in the early 90s, one of the biggest and funniest programs airing on network television was a little show called “In Living Color”.  What made the show so unique is that along with talented comedians like Jim Carrey, the cast was also comprised of most of the the Wayans family.  While Keenan Ivory Wayans hosted the show, the breakout Wayans brother was Damon Wayans.  From characters like ‘Homey the Clown’ and one half of ‘The Homeboy Shopping Network’ as well as ‘Men on Films’, Damon Wayans quickly proved to be one of the shows most valuable players.

    The film follows conman Johnny Stewart as he meets a young woman named Amber one day and wants to impress her.  Unfortunately, the only way to impress her seems to be to go legitimate and get a real job.  Johnny gets a job in the mailroom where Amber works.  Johnny becomes convinced that he needs to have money to keep Amber in his life so he steals credit cards that were returned from people who passed away he received in the mailroom so he can afford fancy things.  After a shopping spree, his boss Keith finds out and makes him steal credit cards for him or he will turn him into the police (as it turns out, he planted those cards in hopes Johnny would use them so he could have leverage on him).  After Johnny helps Keith out a few time, he decides to quit while he is ahead.  Meanwhile, Johnny’s conman brother Seymour decides to use a stolen credit card and gets caught by the police.  Seymour agrees to wear a wire and catch Keith but is instead held hostage by him.  Johnny must now rescue his brother from his sinister boss.

    Before I watched this movie to review it, I had never seen this film before butI had always been curious about it being a big “In Living Color” fan.  I know the film wasn’t well received upon it’s release but a lot of comedies don’t fair well with critics.  So what did I think of the film?  I didn’t hate the movie nor did I think it was hilarious.  The movie didn’t wow me but it kept my attention and there were a few moments that made me chuckle.  I definitely see why critics ripped this movie apart.  Damon Wayans was fresh off “In Living Color” and was hilarious in the show, you very much expect a lot from a comedic performer in their prime and this movie felt a bit lazy.  The film was filled with cliches and humor that fell a bit flat.  That being said, looking at it through a nostalgic lens, seeing all the 90s fashions and trends definitely made me reminisce about the time period depicted on film.

    With the inclusion of characters like Anton Jackson and Blair Edwards, the film feels like an attempt to make an “In Living Color” movie in the same vain Lorne Michaels managed to turn “Saturday Night Live” skits like “Coneheads” into motion pictures.  I mean, the title even came from a phrase used often on ‘The Homeboy Shopping Network’.  To some degree, I feel like not making this film a direct “In Living Color” tie-in was a bit of a missed opportunity.  If the film focused on one of Damon’s hilarious characters, I think the movie would have faired better.

    The film is notable for being the first film to address the subject of identity theft (this film was made before the term ‘identity theft’ was even coined).  It was also the film debut of one of the original kings of comedy, Bernie Mac.  Marlon Wayans, Damon’s real life little brother, plays his little brother in this film.  Marlon had only appeared in one film before this movie.  It was also fun to see a young Harry Lennix play a nerd.  Typically now, Lennix plays commanding military figures.

    “Mo’ Money” isn’t a terrible movie and as at times good for a laugh or two but it isn’t the comedy classic Damon Wayans was capable of making.  The film is interesting to watch as a crash course into 90s fashions however.  One thing about the ending of this film that I noticed though, why did so many 90s films feature main characters outrunning pursuing cars.

Grade: C

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WHAT IF TIM BURTON DIRECTED A THIRD BATMAN FILM?

    When a project is killed or changed in a drastic way, it’s impossible to know how the original vision would have played out.  We can gather some information here and there about the development of a project and get a feel for what it might have been however.  One of these projects I am going to discuss is the film “Batman Forever”.  Now, “Batman Forever” did actually get made, by it was originally developed with the idea that Tim Burton would once again direct the sequel.  Tim Burton had grown tired of the Batman franchise and his clashes with Warner Bros. over his vision of what the films should look like.  Burton preferred a more adult and gothic theme while the studio wanted to veer towards a more kids friendly direction.

    Warner Bros very much wanted to cross market the film.  This had proven successful for Batman in the past but business like McDonalds and Kenner reportedly didn’t feel comfortable with the direction Tim Burton went with “Batman Returns”.  A latex fetish inspired Catwoman and a disgusting perverted Penguin weren’t ideal figures for kids toys.  They wanted Warner Bros. to make a toned down “Batman Forever” and Warner Bros. wanted that sweet licensing money.  A compromise had to be made but Burton ultimately did what he felt best for all parties and walked away from the project.  Warner Bros. then hired Joel Schumacher and the studio got their tie-in money.

    What if Tim Burton had stayed on though?  Would have the film have changed that much?  Let us look at everything we know and go from there.  First of all, Tim Burton would have had to reach some sort of compromise with the studio.  That being said, they probably could have settled for something more in line with his first “Batman” film which has a marketing juggernaut.  It would have ratained the gothic style but with some of the more disgusting and adult oriented themes toned down a notch.

    We also know the film would have only featured one main villain, The Riddler.  In the Schumacher film, Jim Carrey played the role in a very over the top and campy fashion.  One has to believe Burton’s Riddler would have been more or a deranged and calculating mad man.  He was set to have a question mark shaved into his scalp if that gives you any indication on his visual appearance.  The characters of Scarecrow and a returning Catwoman were also slated to appear at various states of development.

    As for the overall film, no script to my knowledge has leaked online which would tell us how everything would have played out.  It is possible no definitive script was written and the Tim Burton version never made it past brain storming.  We know that Tim Burton wanted this to be his last Batman movie and intended on capping everything off.  The film would have focused on themes of fear, redemption, and moving on from tragedy.  We also know he wanted the film to be called "Batman Continues" as opposed to "Batman Forever".  "Batman Forever" always sounded like a better title for a fourth film anyway.  Imagine the marketing department getting to design "Batman 4 Ever" merchandise.  I would also imagine it would have been very likely that Danny Elfman would have once again scored this film.

    Now if Tim Burton had returned, there is a very good chance Michael Keaton would have returned as Bruce Wayne/Batman as well.  He was attached to the project until Joel Schumacher took over and he disliked his direction of the franchise.  I liked Val Kilmer in the role but it would have been nice to see Micheal Keaton receive a proper send off.

    Michael Keaton would not have been the only returning cast member.  Michelle Pfeiffer was also expected to return as Selina Kyle/Catwoman at one point.  Warner Bros. were even developing a spin-off for Pfeiffer which later became the Halle Berry starring train wreck.  Billy Dee Williams would have also likely returned but only as Harvey Dent since Two-Face wasn't set to be a villain in is version.  Tommy Lee Jones was later recast in the role.  Also, like in the Schumacher films, Michael Gough and Pat Hingle would have returned as Alfred Pennyworth and James Gordon.

   Despite not loving the character, Tim Burton had plans to include the character of Dick Grayson/Robin as far back as his first film.  He would later get cut from both films but his inclusion was so close to happening in "Batman Returns" that an actor was cast for the role and signed for a contract which included "Batman Returns" and "Batman Forever".  Marlon Wayans was ultimately Tim Burton's actor of choice.  The part later was recast with Chris O'Donnell as Robin but Wayans still got a sweet paycheck as part of a play or pay deal.

    The new characters the film was set to introduce was The Riddler filling in as the main antagonist.  Now only two names were thrown around as serious choices for Tim Burton, Robin Williams and Mickey Dolenz.  Robin Williams would likely have turned the role down since he turned it down for Schumacher as well.  He was upset at being used as bait to score Jack Nicholson in the first "Batman" movie.  This leaves Mickey Dolenz as the likely person to have been picked by Tim Burton.  Mickey Dolenz is most famous as a member of the group "The Monkees" although he is actually a pretty great actor as well.  Would Warner Bros. have been okay with a member of an older rock band as their co-lead?  I can't imagine they would be happy.  (Although I love the choice).  The secondary villain of Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow was being eyed for Chucky himself, Brad Dourif.  Dourif plays creepy so well that this would have been a fantastic choice.

    Lastly, Burton had actually cast a new lead actress in the role of Dr. Chase Meridian.  Rene Russo was going to star opposite Micheal Keaton.  Unfortunately for Russo, when Keaton was replaced with Kilmer, she was deemed "too old" for him and Nicole Kidman was later cast to replace her.

    There is so much mystery revolving this project but it is still fun to think what might have been.  In another world, "Batman Continues" would have been released over "Batman Forever".  It's hard to say if it would have been good but it would have definitely been different.  Thanks for reading this post and I hope you enjoy the rest of my blogs.  Have a good day!

SOURCE: www.imdb.com