"Where do you get your ideas?" That is a question that is often asked of authors such as Stephen King and John Grisham. People just have an inherent interest in finding out where these famous scribes get ideas for their popular novels. I'm sure that some people have wondered the same thing about Hollywood screenwriters and bigwigs. It's sometimes obvious where they get their ideas when they adapt a novel, television show or comic book to film. It's also pretty obvious when a screenwriter steals parts of other movies or the theme(s) of other movies because the films are so similar. In the case of Undercover Brother, the inspiration is that of an online animated cartoon. Now, there is a source not often used to garner ideas for a feature film. The film stars Eddie Griffin, David Chappelle, Denise Richards, Chris Kattan and Chi McBride.
Anton Jackson (Griffin) is a normal man, or so it seems to others. He lives a secret double life as a secret agent in the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., an agency that fights against the all white establishment known as "The Man." His job is to eliminate the leader of the group who is known as Mr. Feather (Kattan).
Undercover Brother is one big mixed bag of a film. While some of it is quite humorous and entertaining, there are other things about this film that I just could not stand. What I liked about the film were its lead actor Eddie Griffin and most of its supporting cast. Griffin embodies the role of the suave and hip Jackson like it was a role he was born to play. Supporting cast members Denise Richards and Chi McBride also make an impression because they play their few comedic opportunities to the hilt. McBride is a very talented actor that doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Chris Kattan is horrible in this film. He is so annoying as the lead villain it makes one wish that the unbelievably talented Mike Myers had decided to do his Dr. Evil routine as the bad guy. The film would have been so much better as a whole with a more gifted actor playing the villain. Another problem with this film is that director Malcolm Lee jumps the film around much too often for what is supposed to be a simple spy comedy in the vein of the Austin Powers movies. If he would have the conscious decision to focus on one or two main plots the film would have been more focused and therefore more humorous.
Undercover Brother is truly a hit and miss comedy that will appeal to those who love the Austin Powers series of films but for others who found those films to be too raunchy Undercover Brother will be anything but a blessing.
Rating: 78
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