‘Big Momma’s House 2’
a movie review by Rose A. Whitney

‘‘Big Momma’s House 2” is Martin Lawrence's answer

to television’s “Nanny

911”. In this sequel to “Big Momma’s House”, while single-handedly conducting an FBI undercover operation, Big Momma (Martin Lawrence) manages to offer a troubled family her (his?) handson, common sense, practical guide to parenting.

Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawrence) is an FBI agent in Los Angeles who is currently on an unpopular public relations assignment which involves visiting schools dressed as a giant eagle and lecturing on safety issues. Although this is especially embarrassing to his stepson, his wife Sherry (Nia Long) who is pregnant, is happy that he is out of danger.

When Malcolm learns that his longtime friend and mentor in the FBI has been killed on an undercover assignment, he volunteers to replace him. However, his request is denied because of his emotional involvement with the case. Determined to be involved nevertheless, Malcolm secretly gains access to information about the major project, and plans to replace his lost friend. The task is to prevent millionaire technology expert Tom Fuller (Mark Moses) from selling software which could grant access to the computer systems of key government agencies such as the CIA and the Pentagon to terrorists.

When Malcolm learns that the FBI is planning to send an undercover female agent to apply for a job as a nanny in the Fuller household, he decides to apply for the job disguised as Big Momma. To accomplish this, Malcolm wears an incredible body suit which transforms him into an obese matron.

Following an unusual interview for the job, Big Momma is hired by Leah Fuller (Emily Procter). Her rigid, regimented style of parenting includes nonstop activities detailed on a complicated organizational chart filled with multi-colored stickpins denoting hourly and daily activities. What is obviously missing from the schedule is quality time with the parents.

As for the Fuller children, Andrew is three years old and has not yet learned to speak, Carrie is a pre-teen who needs help with her cheerleading, and Molly, a teenager, is caught up in the Goth movement and uses poor judgment in choosing friends. Big Momma sets out to fill the gap, teaching Carrie useful dance/cheerleading techniques, rescuing Molly from a potentially dangerous situation in a night club and is instrumental in encouraging Andrew to speak his first words--“Big Momma”. In addition to her duties as nanny, Big Momma ultimately manages to foil the terrorist threat by capturing the culprits after a hilarious chase.

All told, this is a fun-filled, lighthearted moviegoing experience.