FBI agents Kevin
and Michael Copeland have been given one last chance, after a series
of mishandled assignments – baby-sit the twin daughters of a rich
businessman on a weekend party trip. However, after a minor accident
leaves the girls “scarred” and unwilling to go to their party; and in
order to save their jobs, Kevin and Michael have no choice but to
disguise themselves as the two girls and infiltrate high society,
hoping that no one will notice the difference.
CRITIQUE
One of the biggest
complaints that many critics have when looking at White Chicks
was the Wayans Brothers’ make-up. And it’s understandable. The Wayans
Brothers are, in no way, lovely women, nor would all the make-up in
the world ever truly make them into lovely women. However, the
make-up in the film is quite good, and the moment you get used to it,
you start to ignore it. If you are not willing to let the make-up
issues go, this film will not work for you at all.
While White
Chicks is not one of the best films ever made, it is one of the
better gender-bender comedies. The Wayans Brothers play their roles
straight forward, even when masquerading as the white girls (they have
many opportunities to ham it up, but thankfully never do so, or at
least not enough to break out of character.) The cast is fun,
although Terry Crews’ rises above all and steals the show in every
scene that he’s in as a Basketball player (who looks more like a
football player) obsessed with white women.
THE VIDEO
The transfer looks
wonderful. There is no visible grain or digital artifacting. The
black levels are consistent and the colors are vivid. Overall, a nice
transfer.
THE AUDIO
The film is
presented in Dolby 5.1 surround in both English and French. The sound
mix is standard, nothing special to speak of. The dialogue is clear,
rather than being buried underneath the soundtrack. Standard stuff.
THE EXTRAS
Wayans Brothers
Commentary:
Keenan, Shawn, and Marlon joke throughout the film, occasionally
talking about the process of making the film, but then quickly
returning to the jokes. Not horrible, but not a good track either.
How’d They Do
That?: A
featurette about how the make-up was done in the film. However, if
you’ve seen the film, you’ve actually already seen how they did the
make-up effects.
A Wayans Comedy:
How the Wayans Brothers came up with the idea for the film and how
they cast it. An okay “making of” featurette, although it isn’t very
detailed.
Encore – On the Set:
The Encore channel’s making of featurette. If you’ve seen the other
two features, skip this one, it’s the same stuff, just put together.
FINAL THOUGHT
White Chicks
is a silly and entertaining little film. Recommended for Wayans fans,
others will be better off renting the DVD.
