Synopsis
In this fish-out-of-water comedy, Jamie Foxx plays a man named Michael Dawson, though he's confused for both Puff Daddy and Mike Tyson by the citizenry of the podunk southwest town that serves as the setting for Held Up. Road-tripping Michael and Rae (Nia Long) stop in for gas in Michael's new vintage roadster, but she grabs a ride to the airport with a truck full of cowboys after learning he blew more than 10,000 dollars earmarked for buying a home on the automobile. Moments later, Michael loses the car as well when a youth cons him out of the keys. Just when his day couldn't get any worse, Michael lands in the middle of a botched hold-up by amateurs trying to knock over the convenience store. All variety of local law enforcement, from the sheriff (Barry Corbin) to truckloads of unofficial shotgun-toting "deputies," quickly descends on the scene. Michael tries to sweet-talk the frightened gunman (Eduardo Yanez), befriend his fellow hostages (Sarah Paulson and John Cullum), and plan how to reach the airport before Rae's flight leaves, all while not getting shot by the hair triggers inside and outside the store. The film was produced and originally publicized under the title "Inconvenienced."
What Critics Say
Mike Dawson’s (Jamie Foxx) day goes from bad to worse as he gets dumped by his girl (Nia Long), has his new car stolen and ends up a hostage in a botched convenience store hold-up in this zany crime comedy. As if that’s not bad enough, his only hope is the sheriff’s department of a redneck town that can’t tell Jamie Foxx from Puff Daddy or Mike Tyson.
Acting
Jamie Foxx can’t keep his mouth shut, and that’s the best thing this film has going for it. Foxx’s mile-a-minute delivery offers 90% of the film’s out-loud laughs. Even after the premise has outlasted its welcome, he manages to rise above and keeps things energized. (Like when he thinks he’s been fatally wounded, only to find it was a cool ranch Dorito that caused the wound.) Unlike many other comedians, Foxx knows when to tone it down and play it real or let the other actors shine.
Story
This is a forgettable tale, really just a vehicle to showcase Foxx’s talents. In that, it delivers.
Direction
Director Steve Rash is smart enough to let Foxx do his thing. He also squeezes some truly funny moments out of the urban black man in a one-horse-town situation. Unfortunately, the film rambles on too long and devolves into sentimental drivel.
Of Note
Jamie Foxx, who shot this film during the hiatus from his self-titled WB series, returns to his comedic roots after a stunning dramatic performance in last year’s "Any Given Sunday."
Bottom Line
No classic, but good for some laughs.
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Starring Jamie Foxx, Nia Long, Barry Corbin and Jake Busey.
Directed by Steve Rash. Produced by Neal H. Moritz. Screenplay by Jeff Eastin. Released by Trimark Pictures.
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