A Light-Hearted Caper with a Short Statured Twist
Release date: 14 July 2006 (USA)
Genre: Comedy/Crime
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
Cinematographer: Steven Bernstein
Budget: $60 million – $64 million USD
Box office: $104 million USD
“Big things come in small packages.” – Little Man (2006)
4 MIN Read Time
Comedy films often strive to push boundaries, explore the absurd, and deliver humour in unexpected ways. “Little Man” (2006) is no exception, as it boldly ventures into the territory of slapstick comedy with a unique twist – a diminutive con artist masquerading as a baby. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and starring Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Kerry Washington, this film has sparked quite a debate among critics and audiences alike.
A Storyline That’s Outlandish Yet Familiar
“Little Man” follows the misadventures of Calvin Sims (Marlon Wayans), a pint-sized criminal who, after a botched heist, hides a priceless diamond in a woman’s purse. In a classic case of mistaken identity, the purse ends up in the hands of Vanessa Edwards (Kerry Washington) and her husband Darryl (Shawn Wayans). When Darryl mistakes Calvin for an abandoned baby and brings him home, the stage is set for a series of comedic mishaps as Calvin tries to retrieve the diamond while pretending to be an infant.
The premise of the film is undoubtedly bizarre, combining elements of mistaken identity and slapstick comedy. While some critics argue that the film relies too heavily on crude humour and repetitive gags, others appreciate its unabashed commitment to its over-the-top concept. In an era where over-the-top comedies were prevalent, “Little Man” manages to carve out its own niche with its outrageous premise.
Facts About Filming and Cast
One cannot discuss “Little Man” without acknowledging the involvement of the Wayans family, who are no strangers to the world of comedy. Keenen Ivory Wayans, a seasoned director and writer, helmed the project, infusing it with his signature comedic sensibilities. The film’s leads, Marlon and Shawn Wayans, have established themselves as comedic talents in their own right, having previously worked on projects like “Scary Movie” and “White Chicks.”
The film’s production was no small feat, as it required a combination of practical effects, green screen technology, and CGI to convincingly depict Marlon Wayans as a miniature adult. The effort put into creating the illusion of a pint-sized character is commendable, even if the execution might occasionally fall short of seamless. The commitment of the cast to their roles is evident, with Marlon Wayans fully embracing the physical demands of portraying a tiny con artist.
Box Office Reception
“Little Man” hit theatres in the summer of 2006, and its box office performance was a mixed bag. Despite receiving largely negative reviews from critics, the film managed to generate significant interest among audiences, likely drawn in by the promise of outrageous antics and Wayans-style comedy. In its opening weekend, the film raked in approximately $21 million, signalling a strong start at the box office.
However, the film’s financial success didn’t necessarily translate into critical acclaim. Many reviews pointed out the film’s reliance on juvenile humour and its tendency to stretch a one-note joke to its limits. The concept of a grown man masquerading as a baby, while undeniably a fertile ground for humour, struggled to sustain the film’s entire runtime.
Final Verdict
“Little Man” undoubtedly elicits strong reactions, both positive and negative. As a film and movie blogger, I find myself in the middle of this cinematic tug-of-war. On one hand, the commitment of the Wayans brothers to their roles and the technical effort invested in bringing Calvin Sims to life are commendable. The film does deliver some genuinely funny moments that provoke laughter, even if they are often on the cruder side.
However, it’s hard not to ignore the film’s shortcomings. The reliance on repetitive gags and physical humour that borders on the absurd can wear thin over the course of the movie. The lack of narrative depth and character development further weakens the film’s impact, making it feel like a series of comedic sketches strung together.
In the grand scheme of comedy cinema, “Little Man” finds its place as a fleeting amusement rather than a timeless classic. While it might not be a film that garners unanimous praise, it’s worth a watch for those who appreciate the Wayans’ brand of humour and are willing to embrace its eccentric premise. For a lighthearted escape that doesn’t demand too much intellectual engagement, “Little Man” offers just enough laughs to justify its presence in the comedy genre. With that, I’d rate it a 5 out of 10 – a passing grade for its effort and entertainment value, but not without its shortcomings.
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