It would be an interesting exercise to show a double feature of Mario Van Peebles’ new movie “Baadasssss!” – about the struggle to destroy old stereotypes of blacks in film – with “Soul Plane,” a broad comedy that seems solely interested in perpetuating new stereotypes.
While Van Peebles pays homage to his director father, Melvin, who was tired of seeing people who looked like him depicted in subservient positions, “Soul Plane” director Jessy Terrero embraces the bling and the booty shaking with an enthusiasm that could be described as giddy, if only the smoke from Snoop Dogg’s ever-present blunt didn’t suggest a mellower vibe.
Snoop co-stars as a pilot in the movie – which first-time director Terrero describes in the press notes with all sincerity as “an urban take on ‘Airplane!’” – though the rapper essentially is playing himself. The only difference here is that he’s sitting in a cockpit instead of a tricked-out ‘64 Impala.
The idea of Snoop flying a commercial airplane is funny in itself; “Soul Plane” consists of many other amusing concepts and little else.
The airline is called NWA, though not in honor of the rap group. It’s named for Nashawn Wade (Kevin Hart), who wins a $100 million settlement after a traumatic flight on another airline and uses the money to form his own. Nashawn’s no-good cousin, Muggsy (Method Man), would be considered his right-hand man if he actually accomplished anything.
NWA’s flights leave Los Angeles International Airport from Terminal Malcolm X, where travelers can kill time by playing pickup basketball or enjoying a meal at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.
Once on board, passengers are seated in first class, which features white leather couches and meals of Cristal and filet mignon, or “low class,” with its coin-operated overhead compartments, 40-ounces of Colt .45 malt liquor and greasy boxes of Popeye’s chicken.
And the plane itself? Metallic purple with spinning rims and a hydraulic system to make it bounce before take-off.
The ideas and sight gags are individually funny, but they would have worked better within the confines of a comedy sketch. Stretched across a feature-length film in Bo Zenga and Chuck Wilson’s script, they feel – to use the vernacular – played out.
Snoop Dogg and Method Man star in “Soul Plane.”
“Soul Plane” H
Low-flying: Director Jessy Terrero embraces black and white stereotypes in what he describes as “an urban take on ‘Airplane!’.” It consists of many sketch-like amusing concepts and little else. With Snoop Dogg and Method Man.
Rated: R rating is for sexual content, language and some drug use.
Now showing: tk
“Soul Plane” H
Low-flying: Director Jessy Terrero embraces black and white stereotypes in what he describes as “an urban take on ‘Airplane!’” It consists of many sketch-like amusing concepts and little else. With Snoop Dogg and Method Man.
Rated: R rating is for sexual content, language and some drug use.
Now showing: Everett Mall, Grand, Marysville, Meridian, Cascade.
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