Undercover Brother: Critic Reviews

Much of Undercover Brother plays as a funnier, if similarly addled, Bamboozled.

It's breezily entertaining and culturally specific without resorting to gross-out jokes or cruelty.

Even during periods when the belly laughs subside, Griffin continues to keep it really amusing with his exuberant flair for physical comedy and mock-serious swagger.

Stereotype-based satire; not for young kids.

"Undercover Brother" fares better as a blaxploitation spoof than as silly-spy shtick. Scathing but not scatological, "Brother's" withering insights are equal opportunity: Here, white guilt is as satirically punishable an offense as propping up prejudice.

funny at parts

Much funnier and craftier than it had any right to be.

Every little piece of this project fell magically, hilariously in place, even if some of its gags don't quite hit the target.

The problem is, that half the time I laughed myself silly, while the other half, I was egregiously offended.

...zips along at a frenetic pace, but the lack of plot does eventually catch up with the rest of the movie.

Not for one moment does it get serious or stop for a straight action sequence, and yet it develops into something genuinely exciting, just through the enthusiastic velocity of its streams of jokes and images.

If you like the Austin Powers franchise, chances are you'll like this, regardless of your race. If you don't, we'll, I'd have to say you're just a jive turkey.

One of the best comedies of its kind.

Malcom D. Lee is a consummate professional and has made a wise choice in how to approach this material, for a strong case could be made to use this as the initial tool in our school systems to begin serious discussions about race and class.

More often than not, the movie's irreverent, ramshackle charms hit the mark.

The movie's contradictions of intent (opposing black stereotypes at the same that it's reveling in them) hinder it from making any real comic statement.

(The film) uses the well-traveled conventions of racial stereotyping to make a grand little spy/action comedy.

UB equally spoofs and celebrates the more outre aspects of 'black culture' and the dorkier aspects of 'white culture,' even as it points out how inseparable the two are.

Has the right mindset, but not always the right material.

Everytime you think Undercover Brother has run out of steam, it finds a new way to surprise and amuse.

I know we're not supposed to take it seriously, but I can't shake the thought that Undercover Brother missed an opportunity to strongly present some profound social commentary.

There is nothing undercover about this comedy. It's Solid. Can you diggit?

The sketch comedy feel works wonders.

Eddie Griffin is one of the funniest comedians in Hollywood making films right now... see why he's still a bargain for top billing.

an enjoyably retro ride that relies more on cultural awareness for its humor than sheer gross-out