King's Ransom (PG-13, 2005)

common sense media says

Coarse comedy about kidnapping and revenge.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie includes raunchy sexual language, irritating humor at an elderly woman's expense, tired stereotypes, fart jokes, and ridiculous plotting -- all potentially offensive for some viewers. While the language is relatively mild, it is repetitive (frequent uses of "damn," "bitch," and "hell" in particular). Characters drink, smoke cigars and cigarettes, splat condiments (mustard, ketchup) on one another's faces, and fight verbally and physically. Wealthy executive Malcolm is selfish and materialistic, loathed by his wife and employees (who call him a "jackass" more than once), but as these supporting players are dim, obnoxious, and/or greedy as well, you're left with no one to like.

Positive messages: Pretty much everyone is a bad role model.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Raunchy sexual language.
Language: Frequent uses of "damn," "bitch," and "hell."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters drink, smoke cigars and cigarettes.

More on King's Ransom

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the animosity and envy caused by Malcolm's arrogance, or point out the film's use of broad stereotypes. Families might also consider the fact that the protagonist's name -- Malcolm King -- evokes Civil Rights leaders Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., in ways that can only be described as disappointing.

What's the story?

What's the story?
The plot of KING'S RANSOM is premised on the fact that everyone who knows Malcolm (Anthony Anderson) dislikes him and wants revenge for his meanness. In the midst of an ugly divorce from wife Renee (Kellita Smith), Malcolm fires his competent, cocky Acting Vice President of Marketing, Angela (Nicole Parker), to hire his dim-witted, tight-dressed mistress Peaches (Regina Hall). Meanwhile, Angela's friend Kim (Leila Arcieri) has "found Jesus," and impoverished Corey (Jay Mohr) fears his sister Raven (Lisa Marcos), who just escaped from prison and is threatening him for money. Variously desperate, Renee, Angela, and Corey plan separately to kidnap Malcolm for ransom, while he and Peaches, along with her paroled brother Herb (Charlie Murphy), plot his kidnapping themselves, to avoid paying Renee a divorce settlement.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
All the plots of King's Ransom converge in a mostly unfunny cacophony (save for the masks worn by Angela and her two-girl crew, including Condoleezza Rice and Jesse Jackson); identities are mistaken, promises betrayed, and stereotypes abound (Corey does business with a Chinese pawn shop owner named Miss Ho and beats up a Mexican worker at a fast food joint). The plot proceeds loudly and clumsily, leading to no lessons learned and bad behavior rewarded.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: New Line
Director: Jeff Byrd
Cast: Anthony Anderson, Donald Faison, Regina Hall
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: April 22, 2005
DVD release: July 26, 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: crude and sexual humor and language

This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Emackie
adult
 
Hunny, shade your eyes!
I have nothing else to say to this, eccept that it was crude and rude!

kidswatchRmovies
kid, 12 years old
 
what its not for 16 its for 7 year olds!
Well its a bit rude with language and there are sexual references but not too bad. I think i 7 year could watch it because any lower and they would not understand it. :) ps i watch zombie land, kick ass, and hangover. things like that and im only 12 3:) im a devil

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