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WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN? Send This Review to a Friend
It takes an act of faith to use a questioning title like "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" A critic might be tempted to answer: Seeing this movie. But as it turns out, although the result is purely low comedy, there are ample laughs to make this rambling romp worthwhile for fans of Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito and John Leguizamo. These are three funny fellows and even if the material is stretched thin, they strike the funny-bone fairly often.
Set in Boston, the convoluted plot in Matthew Chapman's screenplay based on Donald E. Westlake's novel involves Lawrence as professional thief Kevin Caffrey in a battle of egos with Danny DeVito as corrupt businessman and lecherous philanderer Max Fairbanks, whose financial empire is in trouble. Kevin, in league with John Leguizamo as Berger, sets out to rob DeVito's home. Nothing is that simple, and what develops is an ongoing tussle between Kevin and Max over a ring that Max steals from Kevin while he's trying to rob Max. The ring is a gift from the sexy Amber, fetchingly played by Carmen Ejogo, who is turning Kevin's life around, at least in the romantic department.
Parts of the comedy are bound to prove offensive to some. There is a hilarious scene involving signing for the deaf at a Senate hearing when the woman with the task tries desperately to find hand and body signals equivalent to Max's stream of profanity. There is also ultra swish detective Tardio, played to the hilt by William Fichtner, who is very funny if one can abide the cliché. DeVito gives off dirty-old-man vibes as he chases his prey despite the watchful eye of his domineering wife Lutecia, brassily played by Nora Dunn. Glenne Headly is amusing as Max's long-suffering assistant who has the last laugh, and comedian Bernie Mac makes Uncle Jack, who fences Kevin's acquisitions, a larger than life character who earns his share of laughs. Max is also in the habit of bribing senators and judges, although he may forget which judges he has bribed.
There's plenty more stirred into the stew by director Sam Weisman. By no means can one call this a strong comedy, but the intermittent laughs keep it from being a turn-off, thanks mainly to the stars. An MGM release.
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