Real 'Big Momma's' In The 'House'

Stage Vet Ella Mitchell Makes 'Big' Impressions; What's New On Video

<A HREF="/sh/entertainment/stories/entertainment-20001117-172815.html "> CONTEST: Relive 'Memories' With Broadway's 'Cats' On Video</A><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/tims-bio.html"><IMG SRC="/sh/images/editorial/tim_lammers.jpg" ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" BORDER="0"></A> The real "Big Momma," Ella Mitchell, is in the "House" for this week's @ The Movies and while she plays a cantankerous Southern granny in the new video and special edition DVD release of "<A HREF="http://www.foxhome.com/cgi-bin/adtrack/bigmomma/getform.pl?MANUF=FOXHOME&AD=www.bigmommashousedvd.com&CAMPGN=BMOM1&PAGE=frames.html">Big Momma's House</A>," off-screen, it's obvious that she's loving every minute of the film's success.<IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1201/189082.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150" ALT="Martin Lawrence and Ella Mitchell" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">The film stars Martin Lawrence as Malcom Turner, a top FBI agent in pursuit of an escaped prisoner. Hoping to make the bust by tracking the fugitive's ex-flame, Sherry (Nia Long), Turner's path leads him to Big Momma's (Mitchell) house. The problem is, Big Momma disappears, so he must go undercover and disguise himself as the overbearing granny and ends up falling for Sherry in the process.While Lawrence transforms himself to look like Big Momma in the film, the get-up in reality is not exactly a mirror image of Mitchell. Both had to undergo makeup work in order to achieve the same look."The prosthetics we were using gave the whole face a new dimension," an effervescent Mitchell told me in a recent interview. "But after Martin decided it was a bit too much, then they narrowed it down to half the face. So you see our own eyes and our own foreheads, but they gave me a little more nose because Martin's nose is a little larger than mine, and they gave him cheeks because mine are a little chubbier that his. It was just simply amazing the way the makeup department did it."Needless to say, Mitchell, whos done stage work most of her life (she started singing in her church choir at age 8, and has gone on to work on Broadway and related tours around the world, and sung several with major performers including Harry Belafonte and Aretha Franklin), never thought she'd find herself playing a pivotal role in a film, much less opposite a comedian the caliber of Lawrence. But just because Mitchell's performances haven't been captured on celluloid, doesn't mean that there was any lack of respect from the comedian turned film actor.<IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1201/189083.jpg" WIDTH="141" HEIGHT="199" ALT="Big Momma's House DVD" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">"The very first day when I met him, he extended his hand, he said, 'I'm so pleased to meet you and have heard such wonderful things about you,' and from that moment on, there wasn't only respect, but love and warmth," said Mitchell."There were days where I wasn't even working where he sent for me. He just wanted me to be present while he was working. I don't know if it were the vibes or what it was, but I would could come and just sit while he was filming. Plus, he would never leave the set without looking me up to say, 'I'm leaving Ella, goodnight.' He would always ask me if I needed anything, if I was being treated right he knew it was my first major film. When the film was over, there were tears in my eyes."While Lawrence was the star of "Big Momma's House," Mitchell did indeed get her chance to leave her mark on the film. Soaring with her singing talents near the conclusion of the film, her hair raising-rendition of "Oh, Happy Day" is like a gift from heaven."I've never had any training, lessons, coaching or anything of the kind," explained Mitchell, who shined on such Broadway productions as "The Wiz." "I consider it a wonderful gift from God and I thank him for it daily."<A NAME="New"> <H3>New On Home Video This Week</H3> 'Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps' (PG-13) <IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1205/193097.jpg" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" ALT="Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">As the follow-up to the wildly successful Eddie Murphy remake of the Jerry Lewis classic, "<A HREF="http://www.klumps.com">Nutty Professor II: The Klumps</A>" is about in the middle of the road of sequelville when it comes to plot (its toilet-humor-drenched narrative, while amusing most of the time, is hardly anything new), but a true marvel in its technical execution. What's amazing, though, is that the bright spot isn't the cellulite suit that Murphy wears to become Sherman Klump and his family of portly protagonists (after the convincing look of the first film, that's pretty much expected) -- it's the way Murphy interacts with himself as each family member that makes the film simply jaw-dropping.Having discovered the secrets of slimness in the first film, this time around Sherman forges the key to the fountain of youth with his lady-love, Denise (Janet Jackson). But Sherman's mind is still harboring some demons namely his evil alter ego, Buddy Love, who's brought back to life by a strand of DNA. The problem is, Buddy doesn't want to be Sherman's buddy -- he wants to reap the profits of the miracle drug for himself.There's no denying that Murphy again is at his best with The Klumps, delightfully playing Sherman, Granny, Mama, Papa, Young Papa and brother Ernie Klump, Lance Perkins and Buddy Love. And while the purposefully silly plotline of The Nutty Professor II is hardly a film the Motion Picture Academy would take seriously, hopefully Murphy will be granted a reprieve come Oscar time. He's completely absorbed in each character. The scenes that feature the entire family are clearly the funniest (and are far too few), but most importantly, they feel real. It's an amazing feat for one individual.'Gone In 60 Seconds' (PG-13) <IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1205/193128.jpg" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" ALT="Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">Although it's a plot about stealing cars, it seems as though someone boosted the wrong action vehicle for Nicolas Cage and company with the car-chase thriller, "<A HREF="http://video.go.com/goneinsixty/flash_intro.html">Gone in 60 Seconds</A>." And while it's not a complete lemon, it's just overloaded with too many used parts.A remake of the 1974 cult classic, Nicolas Cage stars as Memphis Raines, an ex-car thief forced into stealing 50 cars in 24 hours to save his brother's (Giovanni Ribisi) life. Obviously, that is a tall order. Raines enlists the help of his car-boosting cronies (Robert Duvall, Angelina Jolie, Chi McBride and Will Patton among others) to get the job done."Gone in 60 Seconds" gets a passing grade if only for its solid cast which, even through a predictable plot and standard, but effective, moments of "wink-wink" comedic moments keeps this car flick from entirely crashing and burning. Sure, it has a handle on some great car-chase sequences, but surprisingly it doesn't contain the bumper-to-bumper amount of action one might expect. Instead, the proceedings fall victim to the testosterone-drenched dialogue and confrontations that have become a standard practice in this weakening genre. Unless you're a big car aficionado that appreciates the mere presence of the pedal and the metal, you should plan on going on a very bumpy ride.'Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire' (G) <IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1205/193119.jpg" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" ALT="The Land Before Time VII" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">Of course, the operative word why this kid video franchise is so successful is "dinosaur," but behind the behemoths are well-thought-out storylines that not only entertain, but educate their intended audience (the DVD version of the video takes the educational level to further heights with DVD rom activities and sing-along songs). Therefore, it shouldn't come as a big surprise that this seventh installment ("<A HREF="http://www.landbeforetime.com">The Stone of Cold Fire</A>") based on the original 1988 theatrical version created by Stephen Spielberg, is a welcome addition to the family. Richly animated, it's another wonderful adventure that is accessible for the whole family.This chapter finds our main dino-character, Littlefoot (voiced by Thomas Dekker), at odds with friends and family after being the sole witness to a "stone of cold fire" zipping through the night sky. Believed to contain miraculous powers, the only ally Littlefoot has is Pterano (Michael York), an estranged uncle of his pterodactyl friend Petrie (Jeff Glen Bennett). The problem is, Pterano has much different plans for the miracle stone.With an already solid voice cast that's effective in both dialogue and in its memorable songs, Michael York's rich vocal presence further enhances the appeal of "The Stone of Cold Fire." Most importantly, though, while the principles remain the same (family and friendship remain at the top of the list), this pre-historic storyline continues to evolve by addressing issues important to both kids and adults. Keep taking those big steps, Littlefoot.<H3>Recently Released</H3> 'The Replacements' (PG-13)<IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1201/189089.jpg" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" ALT="Brooke Langton, Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">If movie-making is equivalent to a two-minute football drill, then the new pigskin comedy, "<A HREF="http://www.thereplacements.com">The Replacements</A>" has scored big at both halftime (for its theatrical release at the beginning of the NFL season) and on the final drive (just as the NFL playoff race heats up). That's because timing is everything for this raucous, albeit over-done film about a ragtag team of football has-beens unifying in the face of adversity. Unlike the real game, though, "The Replacements" is very predictable, yet it has the same sort of spirit that will have you cheering at the end. It's a satisfying piece of entertainment, except for those who find the issue of strikebreaking no laughing matter.Inspired by the 1987 NFL Players strike, "The Replacements" stars Keanu Reeves as Shane "Footsteps" Falco, a washed-up collegiate star persuaded to cross the picket lines of the striking Washington Sentinels to play for legendary coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman). But getting to practice is the least of Falco's problems. Along with a group of misfit underdogs (including Orlando Jones, Jon Favreau and "Notting Hill" roomie Rhys Ifans), the new Sentinels players have only one week to get in the game.Part "The Longest Yard," part "The Bad News Bears," the funny thing is, no matter how many times youve felt youve seen this movie before, you still manage to get caught up in the excitement of the game in "The Replacements." This is especially true toward the conclusion of the film which might explain just why people love the game so much in the first place. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in heart.<H3>DVD Spotlight</H3> 'X-Men' (PG-13) <IMG SRC="http://images.ibsys.com/2000/1201/189096.jpg" WIDTH="120" HEIGHT="90" ALT="Patrick Stewart" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="5" BORDER="0">While immersed in movies and pop culture most of my life, the one iconic contribution to the world of art that has always escaped me is the "X-Men" phenomenon that is, until a recent viewing of the <A HREF="http://www.x-men-the-movie.com/xmen-dvd/flash/frames-xmen.html">feature film version</A> inspired by Stan Lee's Marvel comic book series. Chock-full of diverse performances that are complimented by jaw-dropping special effects, "X" truly does mark the spot.Stewart stars as Professor Charles Xavier, a mind-reading "mutant" who shelters other outcasts in his "school for the gifted," far from a society driven by fear and ignorance. But a self-righteous politico (Bruce Davison) and his movement to make mutants outlaws isn't his only worry: Together with fellow "mutants" Wolverine (Aussie newcomer Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry), Cyclops (James Marsden), Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Rogue (Anna Paquin), Xavier faces the threat of his contemporary, Magneto (Ian McKellen in a deliciously devious turn), who plays a magnetically-gifted mutant hell-bent on using his powers to change the future of mankind.While long-time fans of the entire "X-Men" experience may beg to differ, perhaps what will be satisfying to newcomers diving into this film version is director Bryan Singer's smart, and often-times subtle direction of characters in the midst of all the eye-candy. In a movie world where so many films are rendered useless by a shallow plot and over-abundance of special effects, "X-Men" succeeds by taking an exciting journey into the complexities of being human. What's even better is the fact that the film is relatively accessible for the entire family, since Singer forgoes any sort of foul-mouthed or excessively violent behavior. In a way, it's educational, teaching lessons of tolerance.DVD features: While the film alone is a satisfying package within itself, the special features of the DVD version for "X-Men" are, for the lack of a better word, "X-ceptional." In addition to an HBO documentary, there's ten minutes of additional footage that can be seen with the film or separately. But even with an extensive art gallery with art and production stills to boot, what pushes the DVD package over the top is Jackman's screen test for the part of Logan/Wolverine with Anna Paquin. In a way, it's the Aussie's true introduction to American audiences and with the looks and charisma of a young Clint Eastwood a telling sign of great things to come.Next Week: Legendary filmmaker John Frankenheimer is playing "Reindeer Games" with a new director's cut of the film starring Ben Affleck and Charlize Theron, and tells @ The Movies why he's taking shots at the new direction of Hollywood filmmaking. PLUS: Reviews of new films in theaters and videos on the shelves, including "Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps."Catch up with Tim on these recent @ The Movies interviews: <UL> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20001121-181759.html">Carrie-Anne Moss ("Red Planet")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20001106-151759.html">Mark Hamill ("Joseph: King of Dreams")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20001013-131001.html">Christopher Guest ("Best in Show")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20000914-174618.html">Sigourney Weaver ("A Map Of The World")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20001005-112739.html">Sylvester Stallone ("Get Carter")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20000922-023731.html">Bruce Campbell ("The Evil Dead" Trilogy)</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20001018-231132.html">Richard O'Brien ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show")</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/stories/atthemovies-20000928-190325.html">Edward Burns ("Stories From Long Island" Trilogy)</A> </UL>More Movies: <LI><A HREF="http://www.infospace.com//cinema/search.htm?searchtype=hs">Local Movie Times</A> <LI><A HREF="/sh/entertainment/atthemovies/archive.html">@ The Movies Archive</A> <H5><CENTER>To have @ The Movies delivered right to your e-mail box for free, <A HREF="/news/email-newsletters.html">click here</A>.</H5></CENTER>

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