Rated PG-13 - Running Time: 1:36 - Released 8/16/02
THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH
Rated PG-13 - Running Time: 1:36 - Released 8/16/02
Its release delayed for nearly two years, The Adventures Of
Pluto Nash marks another mediocre notch in Eddie Murphy's
spotty career. Having participated in such enjoyable recent films
as Life, Bowfinger,
and Shrek, and such unfunny misfires
as Dr. Dolittle 2 and Showtime, Murphy continues the search
for a vehicle that will heat up the box-office cash registers
and put his name back on top of Hollywood's most wanted list.
While Pluto Nash, a futuristic comedy about a night club
owner on the moon, is reasonably diverting and full of interesting
visual effects (reportedly part of the reason for its delay),
it's not going to do that. Its story, penned by Neil Cuthbert
(Mystery Men), is overcomplicated, and its director, Ron
Underwood (City Slickers), can't seem to decide whether
he wants it to be a crime thriller with humor or a knee-slapping
comedy with crime. Murphy's performance as the title character
is well-rehearsed (in the sense that he's done this schtick before),
but lacks energy, and of his co-stars, Rosario Dawson isn't given
much to do except look good in a space suit and Randy Quaid doesn't
seem to get most of the jokes he's saying.
The year is 2087. The most successful and well-known night
club owner in "Little America" (a moon-based colony
under glass), former-smuggler-turned-good Pluto Nash is perfectly
happy to run his place without the recently legalized addition
of casino gambling. But infamous organized crime lord Rex Carter
has sent his goons to make him an offer he can't refuse: $1 million
for the place—or else. When Pluto declines, he winds up on
the receiving end of an after-hours bombing (which, surprisingly,
does not cause a decompression), and although he, his new waitress
Dina (Dawson) and his faithful but outdated robot Bruno (Quaid)
are not injured, the club is a total loss. Pluto soon finds, however,
that it is not his livelihood but his life that is in danger,
as the goons return and attempt to rub him out. Against the wishes
of his mother (Pam Grier), who wants him to return to Earth, Pluto
takes Dina and Bruno and pursues his pursuers, attempting to get
to the bottom of their murderous intentions. In so doing, he uncovers
a surprising revelation about the villain's identity and must
use every trick available to stay alive.
There is no doubt that the effects are the most interesting
thing about this movie. It's so full of colorful imagery and digital
effects, it's practically a cartoon. Murphy's participation is
that of a man who's been around the Hollywood comedy mill a few
times; he seems to be going through the motions as if he's tired
of doing comedy that doesn't involve massive make-up jobs or multiple
characterizations. Randy Quaid is surprisingly unfunny in his
silly role, and his character has a sub-plot that never fully
resolves itself. Adding a modicum of humor is John Cleese as a
holographic chauffeur; his characterization is identical to almost
all the post-Monty Python movie roles he's done, but it's still
funny. Also on hand is a surprising number of semi-known actors
in smaller roles, including Jay Mohr as a Tony Bennett-style lounge
singer, James Rebhorn as the villain's henchman, and Illeana Douglas
as a futuristic body-makeover artist.
While Pluto Nash is not going to launch Eddie Murphy's career back into outer space, it at least keeps his name in the orbit of public awareness. ***
