MOVIE REVIEW - Top Five

Funny man Chris Rock is back with a career changing movie he wrote and directed called, Top Five. This is simply sensational.

First off, this is not for everyone, as it has graphic and lengthy sexual scenes, tons of very harsh language and very offensive dialogue at times.  But, this movie is honest, it has a great story, and addresses a ton of subjects that are tough to talk about, and need to be. This is a comedy of sorts, but it is a ton of movies rolled into one.  It is a romantic comedy at times, a harsh comedy at times, a drama, and totally worth an adult night out.

Meet Andre Allen (Rock).  He is a recovering drunk who at one time was a big stand up comic. He then made a series of bad action-comedies called Hammy Bear that made a ton of cash, but played to horrible reviews.   Now he is trying to make a serious movie and be taken more seriously in Hollywood.  He is on the verge of marrying a beauty from a reality show, when he meets a young and lovely journalist (Rosario Dawson) who wants to write an article on him. So, they spend two days together to get the story, but the real story is that they have feelings for each other.  And they have many kindred spirits between them.

During the interview, Andre is revealing more about himself to her, and he ever has to anyone. And as he battles his inner demons, she does too.  So in the end, will he marry the woman from TV, who is no good for him, or will he go another direction?  In a nutshell, that's the story.

This is so darn good, it is one of the biggest surprises of the year. This is Rock as you have never seem him.  He is funny, charming, and moving as this conflicted guy, who never seems to really get it right. The written story is one of the best scripts of the year, and it is delivered wonderfully buy the great cast which reads like an all-star team, with  Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Tracy Morgan, Cedric The Entertainer, Jerry Seinfeld,  Whoopie Goldberg, Adam Sandler and countless others in cameos. 

This is surprisingly deep, funny, and super relevant.  It is harsh at times and pulls no punches for much of it.  For those without an open minded sense of humor, or for those who are easily offended, you may want to select another movie. But this is very good, and it made me laugh out loud many times. It also made me think and made me feel.  And Chris Rock has found another color to add to his rainbow.  This is a project worth doing in every facet.

Top Five.  This is really, really good.