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Kingdom Come (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:63
Fresh:18
Rotten:45
Average Rating:4.3/10
Consensus: While it has its moments, Kingdom Come is marred by a script that's low on laughs and uneven in tone.
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Whoopi Goldberg stars in KINGDOM COME as matriarch Raynelle Slocumb, whose mean-spirited husband, Ray Bud, unexpectedly falls down dead at the breakfast table in this touching and irreverent comedy... Whoopi Goldberg stars in KINGDOM COME as matriarch Raynelle Slocumb, whose mean-spirited husband, Ray Bud, unexpectedly falls down dead at the breakfast table in this touching and irreverent comedy based on the play DEARLY DEPARTED by David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones. Ray Bud's untimely death forces the dysfunctional Slocumb clan together for a long weekend where family tensions, grievances, and long-suffering silences are aired as they prepare the funeral of their patriarch. An all-star African American cast features L.L. Cool J as Ray Bud Jr., who is put in charge of the funeral despite his struggles to come to terms with unresolved feelings for his father while battling alcoholism and an unhappy marriage with his wife, Lucille (Vivica A. Fox). Bud Jr.'s brother, Junior (Anthony Anderson), is a small-time scheme-spinner who descends on the Slocumb family home in rural Lulu, California with his shrewish wife, Charisse (Jada Pinkett Smith), and their three monstrous children. Bud's sister, Marguerite (Loretta Devine), is a deeply religious bible-thumper whose son, Royce (Darius McCrary)--affectionately called Satan--dreams of starting a family of his own so he can live on welfare. And finally, wealthy cousin, Juanita (Toni Braxton), who competes with Charisse for Junior's affection as the whole family comes together for a wildly vibrant ride orchestrated by a slightly gaseous Reverend (Cedric The Entertainer). Set to a rollicking gospel soundtrack by Kirk Franklin, featuring a title song with Jill Scott, this entertaining combination of humor and family dynamics features a first-rate ensemble cast brimming over with vitality in this self-parody of African American family life. [More]
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Toni Braxton, LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Toni Braxton, LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, Loretta Devine, Darius McCrary, Vivica Fox
Director: Doug McHenry
Director: Doug McHenry
Screenwriter: David Dean Bottrell, Jessie Jones
Producer: John Morrissey, Edward Bates
Composer: Tyler Bates
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Reviews for Kingdom Come
There's nothing original about this film, but it does boast a solid anchor in Goldberg and include some pretty good acting around her.
The script, like the direction by Doug McHenry, relies too heavily for comic effect on broad comic contrivances and high-volume arguments.
It takes this stock situation and gives it moments of discovery, as well as an emotional showiness that's sometimes hard to resist.
With its universal themes, Kingdom Come offers a great deal to enjoy, from its stellar cast to its entertaining screenplay
Something is amiss when gentleness is the most memorable element of the film that desperately wants to be a rollicking gutbuster.
As performed by a wonderful all-star cast, this hybrid low comedy and heart-tugging soap opera proves richly entertaining.
Latest News for Kingdom Come
November 17, 2005:
Oh It's Already Been Broughten (Part 3)
A fresh press release from Universal informs us that there will soon be a "Bring It On 3" to enjoy, but also reminds us that, hey yeah, there WAS a direct-to-video... More...
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