Iffy for 14+
Good cast can't save stereotype-laden comedy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that despite this family-reunion comedy's heartwarming message about remembering your roots and embracing your family, there are many raunchy jokes about sex -- including a scene of two dogs doing the deed. There's also plenty of foul language ("s--t," one use of "f--k," the "N" word), some of which is used in front of the characters' parents and other elders. Adult siblings bicker and get into fistfights, and there's a fair amount of social drinking (at one point, a pregnant woman drinks spiked punch).
- Families can talk about the stereotypes depicted in the film. What parts of the movie do you think play up/reinforce stereotypes? How? Is it more OK for someone from a particular group to play up stereotypes of the same group than it is for someone outside the group to do the same thing? Why or why not?
The good stuff
-
Messages: RJ learns that his real family, despite its flaws, is better than his fake Hollywood lifestyle. Bianca is obsessed with her image and "winning" but ultimately gets her comeuppance. Otis tells RJ he may not have a lot of money, but he feels rich nonetheless. All of that said, the movie does reinforce/perpetuate some stereotypes about African Americans.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Several of the siblings get into fights with RJ. One fight leaves him with a swollen bruise and the other literally bloody lipped. RJ accidentally hits his mom with a baseball.
-
Sex: RJ and Bianca are shown from the shoulders up during sex. Fifi and Bucky (two dogs) are shown doing the deed and later cuddling. Reggie sees Betty naked in the shower and makes off-color references to her "bundle of black meat." Bianca reveals her shaved pubic area to RJ, but the audience doesn't see anything. Reggie and his girlfriend are dressed like a cowboy and cowgirl late at night, obviously as part of foreplay. Other characters kiss and fool around. A few condoms spill out of Betty's cleavage before she heads out to do "Christian mission" work with the imprisoned.
-
Language: One "f--k," several uses each of "s--t," "bitch," "ass," "titty," and "bastard." The "N" word and "negro" are used by African-American characters.
-
Consumerism: Some of the featured brands include Mac laptop, Budweiser beer, Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, Survivor, Access Hollywood.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Plenty of beer at the family reunion, as well as spiked punch (even the pregnant sister-in-law drinks it), wine, and champagne.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
If you liked the preview, you'll LOVE this film! by offdah3z
I just came back from an early screening with Paramount and this movie was GREAT! I wanted to see first sunday because of the previews, but I hated it.. this movie lives up to the hype, and then some! Funyn movie, great, perfect runtime, great ending. loved it all. DEFINITELY must go if you love comedies! James Earl Jones, MIke Epps, Cedric, the guy from the green mile!, alot of starts who are funny with a different, yet significant role in the film
5
welcome home roscoe jenkins by myizeria
i thought that movie was so funny and every major character had a chance to shine and show off its talent without outshining the other.
5
How many times can I see Roscoe Jenkins? by walker986
I see ALOT of movies, whether in the theater or online, but I have to say this is one of the funniest films I have seen in a long time.
I was hesitant because I thought this movie would be tasteless ala "SoulPlane", but honestly the jokes and the chemistry between all the actors was original and VERY funny from beginning to the end!!
5
Loved this movie! by ladeedi60
My husband and I loved this very funny movie. He couldn't stop laughing, and it had a good message. Run, don't walk, to see this movie! It's about time for a funny movie like this with all that's going on in our world today.!
5
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins by robertalford11
I thought the movie was very funny and hilarious. My wife and I enjoyed the actors that starred in the movie. What better way to portray the family than with two veteran actors such as James Earl Jones and Mrs Avery.
5
Mrs. T.M.Robinson@aol by tasheika
this Movie was very , very, funny Martin ,Monique, Ced , Mike Epps and Micheal Clark Duncan
were great i mean laughter after laughter; hilarious this doesn't surprise me at all how martin
comes up with these movies i loved it my husband and son loved it. All the comedians were absolutely great and hilarious keep up the great work making people laugh.
T.M.R. @aol
4
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins by mbs430
This is an interesting story of a family finally coming together after many years of dogging out poor Roscoe. Once Roscoe has made a big success of himself, it's hard to tell if all the less successful family members are jealous or downright spiteful. Roscoe's high-falutin' girlfriend does not help the situation but once Roscoe and his father come to terms with who he is and what has happened to diminish their relationship over the years, everyone can find a place for themselves in this outrageous family. All the name stars in the family give some very believable ("touched" and touching) performances in this farcical, comedic, dramatic rendition of Roscoe's life.
5
HILARIOUS by ga.peach
Funniest movie I have seen in a long time! I wasn't expecting a behavioral commentary on African American life and of course it wasn't. If you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh, GO!!!
5
Extremely funny by ratemoviestoday
This movie had me laughing out of my seat. The beginning of the movie is a little slow. It picks up right after that. Laughs through out, I don't know what scene is the funniest. This is a must see movie, for all people who enjoy comedies.
Mike Epps is out of this world in this movie, I am wondering when he will get top billing in a movie. Monique reminds me of my baby sister, she is extremely funny in this movie also.
What can we say about Martin & Cedric OMG, it is worth the money to see this before it comes out on DVD. Oops I forgot some people might already have the bootleg copy, that is a shame, stop buying those bootleg copies and go to the movies or wait for it to come out on real DVD.
This is ratemoviestoday, I'm out.
1
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins by Mush
I was looking forward to a funny family movie with a bit of an edge...but what I found was a movie that tried too hard to be funny and was gross instead. The humor was tasteless and portrayed people in a negative way, with only a glimmer of respectability expressed by the parents of Roscoe....
Some people brought young children (why?), who witnessed sexual innuendo, bad language, ridiculing people, and glorifying gambling. Sound good to you and your family?
Not recommended.