Bringing Down the House

Bringing Down the House Information

Bringing Down the House is a 2003 American comedy film, written by Jason Filardi and directed by Adam Shankman. The film stars Steve Martin and Queen Latifah.

Plot

Peter Sanderson (Steve Martin) is a workaholic tax attorney corresponding with an online friend known only as "lawyer-girl". On their first blind date, Peter learns that "lawyer-girl" is Charlene Morton (Queen Latifah), a wrongfully convicted bank robber claiming her innocence who wants Peter's help in getting the charges dropped. Peter also must deal with Virginia Arness (Joan Plowright), an eccentric English billionaire, to bring her business to his firm, as well as competitive colleagues and bosses. His neighbor, Mrs. Kline (Betty White), who happens to be a sister of one of the senior partners, is a nosy bigot. Peter attempts to juggle these issues as well as reconcile with his ex-wife (Jean Smart) and children (Kimberly J. Brown and Angus T. Jones).

Cast

Steve Martin as Peter Sanderson. An uptight lawyer who reluctantly helps Charlene with her case. They eventually bond, becoming close friends.
Queen Latifah as Charlene Morton. An escaped convict who was framed seeks Peter's help in proving her innocent. Over the course of the film, she bonds with Peter and the family as she poses as their nanny. Howie's love interest.
Eugene Levy as Howie Rottman, Peter's over-sexed best friend and colleague. He falls madly in love with Charlene upon meeting her.
Jean Smart as Kate Sanderson, Peter's ex-wife. It is apparent that they still harbor feelings for one another, as she is jealous of his new friendship with Charlene, believing them to be in a relationship.
Missi Pyle as Ashley, Kate's evil, promiscuous, and alcoholic sister. She sleeps with old men for their money.
Joan Plowright as Virginia Arness, An arrogant client of Peter's.
Betty White as Mrs. Kline, Peter's racist neighbor.
Kimberly J. Brown as Sarah Sanderson, Peter's daughter and older child.
Angus T. Jones as George "Georgie" Sanderson, Peter's son and younger child.
Michael Rosenbaum as Todd Gendler, Peter's arrogant colleague.
Steve Harris as Widow, Charlene's shady ex-boyfriend.
Matt Lutz as Aaron
Victor Webster as Glen
Kelly Price as herself

Soundtrack

Main article: Bringing Down the House (soundtrack)

A soundtrack containing hip hop and R&B music was released on March 4, 2003 by Hollywood Records. It peaked at 111 on the Billboard 200 and 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Reception

Critical

Since the film's release in 2003, Bringing Down the House has received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently gives the film a "rotten" score of 34% based on 145 reviews, the general consensus being, "Though the cast shines, they can't save this comedy, which is overly contrived and filled with outdated and offensive racial jokes."

Box office

On a budget of $35 million the film became a surprise hit. It earned $132.6 million in the United States and an international gross of $32 million, bringing its worldwide gross to $164.6 million. As of March 2009, it is ranked #231 of the All Time Top Grossing USA Motion Pictures.

Awards and nominations

Queen Latifah

Won – Teen Choice Awards 2003 for Choice Movie Actress Comedy
Won – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Performance
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (shared with Missi Pyle)

Steve Martin

Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Dance Sequence

This webpage uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bringing_Down_the_House_%28film%29" and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. Reality TV World is not responsible for any errors or omissions the Wikipedia article may contain.

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