Since Richard Benjamin's MARCI X opens with the cheesiest title sequence in
some time, you will immediately begin asking yourself whether the movie will
be pathetically bad or so bad that it's good. Although it never shines
enough to be something worth recommending, it does turn out to be a passable
spoof.
When we meet Marci Feld (Lisa Kudrow), she is addressing a large Jewish
charitable organization in a lavish setting at the Waldorf Astoria. "You
Jews," she says to them with a stupid grin. "You wonderful Jews. Who needs
Santa Claus, right?"
Soon, however, the Feld family empire will go into a steep decline when
Senator Mary Ellen Spinkle (Christine Baranski, the reporter in CHICAGO)
goes on the attack against Dr. S (Damon Wayans), the gangsta rap star of
Felony Assault Records, which just happens to be owned by the Feld family of
companies. Dr. S is the author of such songs as "Kill The Teacher" and "The
Power In My Pants." Marci's father (Benjamin) promptly has a heart attack
upon hearing the news.
It falls on Marci, a classic Jewish princess, to save the day. Drawing upon
her reserves -- after all, Time Magazine did call her, the "most charming
white woman in America under the age of fifty" -- she takes on Dr. S on his
home turf, a big rap concert. In a silly white suit that looks straight out
of the 1960s, Marci gets on the stage to out rap the big rapper. Her cute
musical number, "The Power In My Purse," turns out to be a real
crowd-pleaser and is easily the best part of the movie.
k
You've got to give this to Kudrow, she is pretty brave to let it all hang
out the way she does in MARCI X. The film is close to being an
embarrassment, but she single-handedly almost turns the film around. A few
missteps from her, and the movie could have been material for worst picture
of the year lists.
MARCI X runs 1:30. It is rated R for "language and sexual content" and
would be acceptable for teenagers.
My son Jeffrey, age 14, gave it ***, saying that it was extremely funny. He
especially liked the outrageous outfits and the clash of the cultures.
Copyright © 2003 Steve Rhodes