Three middle black men class reinvent themselves as a gangsta rap
group called CB4, who aren't actually criminals but play the part well. COMEDY
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CB4 (1993)Directed by Tamra Davis
Written by Chris Rock, Nelson George, Robert LoCash Starring Chris Rock, Allen Payne, Deezer D, Chris Elliott, Phil Hartman, Charlie Murphy, Khandi Alexander, Willard E. Pugh, Art Evans, Rachel True |
CB4 is a dumb movie, but in a good way. It's a parody of 90's rap culture and satirizes the gangsta lifestyle, but without any substance or coherent flow. If it weren't for a talented cast led by Chris Rock, this film would be nothing short of terrible. It has its moments, but doesn't really bring anything new to the table.
What really annoyed me was the lack of finalization. CB4's problems with Gusto (Charlie Murphy) were solved, but Virgil Robinson (Phil Hartman) was still trying to discredit them. The entire subplot with Robinson and his son completely vanishes in the third act, leaving the audience to wonder if it was intentional or the filmmakers just forgot. What I liked, though, was the catchy music and the interviews with real rappers at the beginning of the film; rappers like Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Ice T, and Flavor Flav, not to mention celebs like Halle Berry and Shaq. That was cool, and it made me think this film might actually be something. While CB4 isn't terrible, it leaves a lot to be desired. I wish that the plot had been more developed. With that, this film really could have been a great satire. But with poor narrative flow and an abrupt ending, CB4 isn't up to snuff and misses the mark. |