Why was the cast of “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” on Oprah yesterday? While catching up on my Tivo last night, I caught the second half of Oprah’s Monday show. I remember seeing the end of the Roscoe Jenkins trailer and thought it was another one of “those” silly movies that I would maybe catch on cable. However, because of the power of Oprah, I am giving this film a closer look. I was honestly a little shocked that this film received Oprah’s stamp of approval. Then again, Karrine Stephans made it to Oprah, so I guess anything is possible.
Upon second look, I realized that “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” was written, produced and directed by Malcolm D. Lee (Spike Lee’s cousin and director of Undercover Brother, The Best Man, and Roll Bounce), which gives me more of a reason to give the film a chance. Honestly, Oprah is the reason I saw Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman. I know, that was a brave confession (lol), but really, from the trailer of Diary, it looked like it would just be a bunch of played out jokes that everyone has heard before. I recall being pleasantly entertained when I finally saw Diary…kudos to Kimberly Elise.
Anyway, the “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” cast appearance on Oprah included Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mo’Nique–who definitely stole the show. Mo’Nique first met Oprah in 1978 as a young girl in Baltimore, MD on the set of People Are Talking and shared the emotional account of the meeting. Maybe I was just in an mushy mood, but Mo’Nique had me all choked up and teary-eyed…lol. Martin didn’t seem like himself, but then again I haven’t seen him interviewed in a while. I heard this role is more of a dramatic performance for him. Anyway, we’ll see how Roscoe Jenkins does on the big screen. The movie opens on February 8, 2008.
Side–I always want to support Martin because of his roots in Prince George’s County, specifically Landover and remember he went to Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. It was funny that Martin mentioned he used to buff the floors in K-Marts (yes “K-Mart” with an “s”…lol — you may remember my completely random thought about the area vernacular). Speaking of Martin, has anyone heard about him doing anything in the Prince George’s County area recently? I haven’t, but I could be wrong. I’ve read that he owns a place just a state line away. Maybe the movie should be called “Welcome Home Martin Lawrence”…we miss you Martin. Even Dave Chapelle came back as recently as last year for a Duke Ellington School of Arts Benefit Concert. Not a criticism, just an observation. What’s up with a local appearance?
Eleanor Roosevelt in the house!
I just wanted to say that. lol
I agree though, we haven’t seen Martin around the DC area much since he hit it big. He did come back to his (and my) alma mater to host a talent show, but that was way back in 1991!
The movie looks silly, but I’m sure it’s funny with those 3 fools in it.
And, can we discuss Monique talking about her “open marriage”? What’s up with that??
Yea, Oprah asked and Mo’Nique tried to clean it up. Mo’Nique basically said, it’s “open” as in they have open communication. Okay….yeah, sure Mo’Nique. She went on to say that everyone always assumes physical when she says “open”…and Oprah quickly agreed that she also assumed physical relationships. Mo’Nique said she had to lie and cheat with her previous husbands, but she has no reason to with her current hubbie (the one she had twins with). I think everybody (Brandy especially) knows not to lie to Oprah! Remember Brandy talking about how she was married (in her mind only)…trife life.