Matthew Stone

Occupation

Filmmaker

Soul Men Review

By Bill Gibron

Good

It's a damn shame. As a stand-up Bernie Mac had no equal. He even made a winning transition to television with his hit semi-autobiographical sitcom. But as an actor, success as the lead in a major motion picture seemed to elude him. Sure, Mac made appearances in such monster hits as the Ocean's franchise and Transformers, but his contributions were as a supporting, not starring role. That's why it's a shame he had to die before Soul Men could hit theaters. Under the watchful eye of growing genre ace Malcolm D. Lee, Mac finally finds a main character to match his oversized abilities. While not his actual swan song, it becomes a fitting (if ironic) finale.

During their heyday in the late '60s/early '70s, Marcus Hooks (John Legend) and the Real Deal -- Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) and Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) -- were R&B icons. But as with most legendary acts, acrimony led to a split-up and solo work. Hooks was a smash. The Real Deal had one hit, and then faded into obscurity. When death takes the famed frontman away from the world, VH1 decides to hold a tribute concert, and the Deal's former manager (Sean Hayes) is selected to secure their participation. Unfortunately, Henderson is living in an upscale retirement community, while Hinds is trying to put his life back together after a stint in prison. Refusing the offer at first, they finally embark on a five-day cross-country road trip. Playing pick-up dates along the way, they hope to make it to New York's Apollo before the final curtain falls.

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Big Trouble Review

By David Levine

Terrible

Much has been said about Big Trouble, another film meant for a near-September 11th release that was postponed because its contents would be too upsetting amidst the tragedy. Now, seven months and countless airport security measures later, Touchtone Pictures has determined that it is a better time for the film's release.

But forget about September 11th for a moment and consider this: Is there ever a good time to release a film that endorses bribing airline personal for tickets to carry a suitcase containing a ticking nuclear bomb onto a plane? The answer is easy. Pre- or post-September 11th, there is no appropriate time for a comedy this poorly conceived. Big Trouble is irresponsible filmmaking; it doesn't even justify the space for an explanation. But since reviews are my business, let me try to sort out this movie's mess.

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