Nothing to Lose Review
by Mike Borzumate (mbrzmate AT dreamscape DOT com)July 31st, 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------- A film review by Mike Borzumate <[email protected]>, copyright 1997
For details of my reviewing style, please see the note at the end of the review.
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NOTHING TO LOSE
Rating: 6.1 and $5.00
Although very funny in some parts, Nothing to Lose often drags through the filler. Luckily, the scenes that work (mostly) make up for the ones that don't.
I think the main gripe I had directly with the acting was how forced it seemed. It often seemed that Martin Lawrence was straining to be believable instead of just being his funny self, and that Tim Robbins was reacting in the way he figured was expected by the audience, instead of going with his comedic instinct.
Much of the plot is farcical, but then this isn't a serious movie, so the plot weaknesses can be overlooked for the most part. The problems arise, however, during the long gaps between the very funny scenes where the movie drags on and on through poorly-delivered filler comedy.
Don't let the occasional yawn discourage you, however! The movie gets better as it goes along. All scenes with T. (Lawrence)'s family work wonderfully, and the section of the movie with Henry (Patrick Cranshaw) is roll-on-the-floor funny.
So, if you can be patient, Nothing to Lose is a worthwhile matinee or video experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- My #1 rule in reviewing is: NO SPOILERS. Instead of discussing the plot, I choose instead to discuss performances, believability, entertainment value, etc. If you want the plot, see the movie.
I give two ratings: An arbitrary scale of enjoyability (1 to 10) and a maximum price I would pay to see the movie.
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