Big Momma's House

If you've seen Raging Bull , you'll know that Jake LaMotta had to throw a few fights to get a crack at the world middleweight title. One can but assume Paul Giamatti struck a similar Faustian pact. Why else would such a gifted actor agree to play a supporting role in a film as rancid as Big Momma's House if it wasn't to advance his future career?

While the Sideways star has been well-rewarded for his sacrifice, leading man Martin Lawrence continues to star in films like this, the paucity of which is underlined by the presence of Raja Gosnell (Scooby-Doos number one and one and two) behind the camera.

Lawrence's failure to move on from this slapstick and prosthetic-heavy comedy seems born of laziness and limitation rather than misfortune. He's certainly been well compensated for his shortage of talent - he was paid $20 million for the status quo-threatening National Security.

The story of an undercover FBI agent who pulls on a wig and a fat suit to protect a federal witness - Long, who's got lost in the shuffle following her strong work in Boiler Room - this'll only appeal to lovers of Lawrence and those fascinating moviegoers who've an insatiable appetite for the Wayans family. On the bright side, those who love the film will find Big Momma's House 2 every bit as entertaining, what with it being even crasser.