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Undercover Brother [DVD] [Widescreen]

1 disc
Region 1 USA/CA (info)

Malcolm D. Lee's UNDERCOVER BROTHER is a rollicking spoof that earns the distinction of being the first studio film to find its inspiration in a character created specifically for the Internet. Based on writer John Ridley's satirical series which premiered on the Urban Entertainment web site, UNDERCOVER BROTHER follows a hipper-than-hip, Afro-sporting superhero-of-sorts (the multi-talented Eddie Griffin) who stands up for oppressed people everywhere, and looks damn good doing it. But when The Man and his demonic henchman Mr. Feather (Chris Kattan) drug a wildly popular black presidential candidate (Billy Dee Williams), Undercover Brother must team up with the positive underground group the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. in order to restore peace and unity within the community. Employing his seemingly endless arsenal of clever disguises--including the ultra-nerdy Anton Jackson--Undercover Brother embarks on his dangerous mission.

Lee's live action comedy successfully preserves the energy of the original animated shorts, resulting in an hysterical romp that is stuffed with enough pop culture references for two sequels. Griffin uses the character as a platform for his boundless talents, and supporting players Kattan, Dave Chappelle, Aunjenue Ellis, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris do their part to keep the jokes erupting like a giddy volcano.
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- Rating - language, sexual humor, drug content, and campy violence
Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 22450
Credits

Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Dave Chappelle, Neil Patrick Harris, Aunjanue Ellis, Chi McBride, Billy Dee Williams, Gary Anthony Williams, James Brown
Critic Reviews

"...Winningly silly....The blunt satiric arrows fly in all directions, hitting targets of various colors..."
New York Times
"...Affably loopy....The broad physical comedy is as reliable as a brick house..."
USA Today
"...Keenly accurate and gleefully affectionate in its lampooning of cliches....Griffin does his finest bigscreen work to date, showing a fine flair for physical comedy and a deft touch for mock-serious swagger..."
Variety
"...UNDERCOVER BROTHER is Griffin's comedic redemption..."
Total Film
"...The cast -- especially Eddie Griffin in the title role -- hit the right tone, and director Malcolm D. Lee has a feel for the material..."
Sight and Sound