Taxi (2004)
Also known as "Taxi N.Y.C."
He's armed, but she's dangerous.
Starring: Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon, Henry Simmons, Jennifer Esposito, Gisele Bundchen, Ana Cristina De Oliviera, Ingrid Vandebosch, Magali Amadei, Ann-Margret, Christian Kane, Boris McGiver, Adrian Martinez, Joe Lisi, Bryna Weiss, GQ
Director: Tim Story
Running Time: 97 minutes
US MPAA rating: PG-13UK BBFC rating: 12a
Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
In 'Taxi', Mike Myers look-a-like Jimmy Fallon plays a hopeless detective who, after being warned off a case, carries on investigating it anyway. He's a lousy driver, and to make sure we're aware of this, he automatically goes into reverse every time he starts up a car. Honestly, this thing contains so many worn-out cop comedy clichés that I actually felt a little disappointed to discover his exasperated lieutenant is Jennifer Esposito, and not a fat, screaming, desk-thumping black man.
There really is nothing in this movie that merits much discussion but, on the off-chance that anyone's interested, here's the gist. Bungling cop Washburn (Fallon) is on the trail of a gang of leggy lady bank-robbers, led by the unflinchingly bored-looking Vanessa (Gisele Bundchen, who might be nice to look at, but brings very little else to the party). The trouble is, he's had his driving license taken off him, so in order to get around the city he has to catch a cab. And, as you'll have already guessed, this is no ordinary cab. It's a souped-up mental-mobile, driven by the mouthy speed-loving Belle (Queen Latifah), and seemingly created with the soul intention of making the machines from The Fast and the Furious look like mid-80s Ladas.
Of course, it's not long before Washburn and Belle have formed something of a crime-fighting partnership - and, if you've ever seen a single buddy cop flick at any previous point in your life, you'll know the rest of it inside-out.
The main problem I had with the film wasn't its predictability - I pretty much take that as a given whenever I go to see any police-based action-comedy nowadays. Neither was it the handling of the numerous chase sequences, which are actually dealt with pretty well by Barbershop director Tim Story. No, my major gripe is that it's just not funny. Fallon is a 'Saturday Night Live' regular and Latifah has now got plenty of big screen comedy appearances under her belt, but together they make one of the most forced, lacklustre and downright dull double-acts I can ever recall seeing. At one point the pair of them begin guffawing uncontrollably when they're trapped in a room full of laughing gas. Perhaps some of that stuff should be pumped into cinemas at the same time, as it's the only hope this stultifyingly unamusing cop-com has of raising any laughs.
'Taxi' is an Americanized remake of Luc Besson's 1998 French film of the same name. The original spawned two sequels. I'm guessing - nay, hoping - that this one won't do the same.
It's Got: Mirror, signal and manoeuvre.
It Needs: L-plates.
Alternatives: Speed, The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Beverly Hills Cop
Summary: I'll take the bus, thanks.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 24th November 2004
External Links
Official Web Site
Taxi at the IMDB
Comments3 Comments |
| Personaly after reading a few reviews on here i am starting to presume people either get a kick out of running films down,or they just assume they cannot be good critics unless they criticize alot. Granted this film is not made only for those with an iq above 300,but as its type goes it seems to me to be both enjoyable and fun to watch. I do agree that the casting could have been better thought out, but i will assume that after spending out on cars and stunt fee's they did'nt want to spend excessively on a major cast list. (Which in my opinion is fair enough,since enjoyable as i found it i do not think putting a major player in it like jim carrey etc would make me like it enough more to warrent the extra fee they'd need to pay to get them,so why bother.) over-all considering its type i rate it as decent(or as bad if do not like the type) as any other chase comedy film. The stunts and camera work are as would expect in this day and age, the plot is never intended to be taken serously so i wont go into that, and the sort of person likely to go watch this film is exactly the type who will enjoy it so in my opinion its got to be worth 7 out of 10 |
| Comment by:- tracygabs | www.ffaxclan.cjb.net | 27 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Tracygabs - you obviously haven't read enough of the reviews on here then, as there are plenty of films that these critics have given high marks. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean that they are not telling the truth - perhaps you should just accept that some folk genuinely have different opinions!! |
| Comment by:- maskrey | | 03 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| This movie is a cheap remake of original Taxi movies by Luc Besson. And it has nothing to make it better than these films. Better get Taxi 1 or Taxi 2 (or even third one) by Besson and enjoy. |
| Comment by:- Pidgin | | 06 December 2004 | ip: logged |
