Critics Consensus

Critical Consensus: Annapolis and Momma Disappoint, While Nanny Casts an Innocuous Spell

by | January 26, 2006 | Comments

Annapolis, the renowned naval military school, is an institution steeped in history; unfortunately, the movie can lay claim to that as well. Starring James Franco as a new recruit who needs to set his priorities straight, the movie’s shopworn story and clich�s will remind viewers of "Rocky," "Top Gun," and "An Officer and a Gentleman," movies "Annapolis" can’t favorably stand against. Currently at 10% on the Tomatometer, the best encouragement we can give "Annapolis" is better luck tomorrow.

Obviously, of all the movies needing a sequel, the most pressing one has to be Martin Lawrence’s "Big Momma’s House." How else can we explain "Big Momma’s House 2," a comedy called painfully unfunny and unnecessary by the critics? Lawrence is back in a fat suit and incognito as Big Momma. There’s a story about him going undercover to avert a national disaster, but that’s only an excuse to string together the fat jokes. At 29% on the Tomatometer, "Big Momma’s House 2" is at least an improvement over Lawrence’s last effort, "Rebound."

Nanny McPhee is no Mary Poppins, but there isn’t a rowdy kid she can’t handle. Starring Emma Thompson as the title character, she finds that her latest charges will need all the help they can get to keep their family together. Hovering at 72% on the Tomatometer, "Nanny McPhee" is a fine film to take the kids, critics say.

Recent James Franco Movies:
34% — Tristan & Isolde (2006)
35% — The Great Raid (2005)
93% — Spider-Man 2 (2004)
69% — The Company (2003)
90% — Spider-Man (2002)