blue streak (1999) review
There is a reasonable case that from 1990-2000, give or take, Martin Lawrence was the most bankable and reliable tv (and later) movie star working. Never short on headlines of the unfortunate and controversial sort, Lawrence was nonetheless unmatched in screen presence and something of a human special effect. Although their careers would overlap a bit, he was in many ways a precursor to Jim Carrey. Both were known for otherworldly talents in physical comedy, impressions, and churning out movies of varying quality at an enviable clip. Blue Streak, directed by Les Mayfield and co-starring Luke Wilson and a pre-superstardom Dave Chappelle, is peak Martin Lawrence. He essentially plays a version of his lead character from the mega-hit Martin television show. It works exceedingly well since talking fast and being one step ahead of everyone in his circumference is the main Lawrence feature in both settings. Well known for his unforgettable characters on Martin, Lawrence in one early Blue Streak scene goes into full costume mode as a pizza delivery man with delusions of infiltration. It’s a completely throwaway interaction…and also one of the funniest moments in a film that is hilarious wall-to-wall. Luke Wilson plays the straight man/good cop and totally commits, stealing almost every scene he appears in. If you’ve yet to see this film, check it out. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Blue Streak receives a score of 8/10 for general audiences and a 9.5/10 for Lawrence enthusiasts/fans of velvet jumpsuits.