(rated PG-13, 95 mins.)
Chris Rock’s directorial debut in which he co-wrote and stars is the tale of a Washington DC Alderman who loses his job and his girlfriend (Robin Givens), then finds himself plucked from obscurity for nominee as President of the United States, after the party front-runner dies. If it sounds like a far-fetched stretch, it is. Rock seems to desperately want to be a leading man and continues in a string of flops post (his “Heaven Can Wait” remake) “Down to Earth” and last year’s Anthony Hopkins teaming “Bad Company.” He should stick to his day job as a fine comic. Rap artist Nate Dogg appears throughout the film as musical narrator, but the one refreshing surprise comes from Bernie Mac as Rock’s running mate, whose lines seem fresh and fun compared to Rock’s chalkboard-scratching usual annoyances. And, the story line? I mean, c’mon — President of the United States?
