What's the Worst That Could Happen? on DVD

Bored of the Rings

Unfortunately, this movie answers its own title question in just about every scene.

The premise is there, but there's nothing to back it up. The script is unfunny, the jokes are clichéd, and the acting is pretty bad (except for Danny DeVito, who plays the same character as he usually does).

When a professional burglar (Martin Lawrence) is caught in the middle of a burgle by the owner of the house (DeVito), his ring is stolen by the very man he was trying to steal from. It then becomes a battle between the two to claim ownership of the ring.

If done properly, this movie could have had unlimited comic possibilities. Instead, it's a chore to watch. To start it off on the wrong foot for this reviewer, I don't find Martin Lawrence the least bit amusing.

The filmmakers claimed they were trying to make a movie that doesn't belong to just one genre. But after seeing the movie, I believe they're only saying that because they failed to make a movie that fits in any genre. It's trying to be a comedy, suspense, romance, action, and even a heist picture.

None of the jokes are funny. There is nothing that can pass for suspense. Martin Lawrence couldn't pass for a romantic if he were the last actor on the planet. The action is lame. And considering there were three great heist pictures released last year, this is a disgrace to that genre.

To cover up for the lack of anything entertaining, there were two characters put in for no other reason than to try and increase the laughs. Larry Miller plays a tough guy (which doesn't work in itself), and William Fichtner plays the detective. The detective is supposed to be some sort of a half-man half-woman character. Not only does it not fit in the movie, it's not nearly funny enough.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that this movie downright sucks. The potential was there, but they just tried way too hard - or not hard enough. Even fans of those involved will most likely be disappointed.

The DVD, on the other hand, is too good for this awful movie. The picture is excellent, and you even get your choice of anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) or standard Pan&Scan. MGM has done its usual good job with the quality. The sound is also excellent, using the 5.1 Dolby Digital to full effect. The "action" scenes sound particularly good, which is always nice to see, er hear.

To start off the extras (which are on side two of the disc), there are some deleted/alternate scenes, including an alternate ending. I really disliked this movie, so I dreaded watching the deleted scenes. But of course, it's my job. They're exactly what you'd expect deleted scenes to be (not good enough to be in the flick), and the alternate ending doesn't make any sense.

Next up are some outtakes, which are also pretty unfunny. Usually I love watching outtakes, but not this time.

There is a "Scene Stealers" behind-the-scenes featurette, but it's just everyone telling us how great everyone else is. It's interesting to see how every actor is the greatest and every director is the most talented and easy to work with.

There are two audio commentary tracks from director Sam Weisman, the producers and various cast members. The worst part of either of them was having to sit through this movie again (and again).

Finally, there is a music video by Erick Sermon and Marvin Gaye, and the trailer.

I realize MGM wants to give all their major theatrical releases the special edition treatment, but they should spend a little less time on the ones that suck and put the effort into movies that deserve it.

Okay, I guess that's a little harsh, but even the greatest of DVD technology and features can't make this movie entertaining.

What's the Worst That Could Happen?, from MGM Home Entertainment
98 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) 16X9 enhanced, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Starring Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo, Glenne Headly and William Fichtner
Produced by Lawrence Turman, David Hoberman, Ashok Amritraj, Wendy Dytman
Screenplay by Matthew Chapman, Directed by Sam Weisman

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