Review By: Dan Deevy
(DanDeevy@TheCinemaSource.com)

Well, it looks like it’s up to me again to come to the defense of yet another harmless critically attacked movie. While Marci X may not leave you with new thoughts and possibilities to ponder like some other similarly sassy culture clash comedies, it definitely does its job of keeping the audience entertained for an hour and forty five minutes and beyond that, you are guaranteed more than a few genuine laugh-out-loud moments that will have you talking the next day around that ol’ water cooler!

In Marci X, Lisa Kudrow plays Marci Feld, a self proclaimed Jewish princess and daughter of millionaire tycoon Ben Feld (Richard Benjamin). When the Feld corporation comes under attack from conservative extremists led by Senator Spinkle, brilliantly portrayed by performing powerhouse Christine Baranski, because of the morally questionable lyrics of Dr. S’s (Damon Wayans) new hit rap songs, Marci has no choice but to step in for her now hospitalized father and try to make things right. Despite the fact that Feld initially didn’t even remember buying the Felony Assault Record Label, the label under which Dr. S records, it seems now that it was one investment that could very well bring his multi-million dollar empire crashing down around him.

As Marci does her very best to prove to her father, and to herself, that she can handle the responsibility of taking over the company, a slew of problems arise, not the least of which is her complete unfamiliarity with urban rap culture.

At one point to prove how “real” she is, in front of a concert hall full of angry Dr. S fans, Marci some how manages to bust out a rap number about “The Power in her Purse,” to counter Dr. S’s “Power in his Pants.” Yeah it was a bit cheesy and unbelievable, but it was also damn funny! To be honest and completely fair that probably categorizes the entire movie. It’s all a bit out there, but it really manages to bring out the laughter.

Another moment that will doubtless have people talking is the spoof on boy bands that is unapologetically and brilliantly pulled off. ‘Boys R Us,’ the typical group of young overly attractive singing boys, including Manly Pope of the amazingly successful long running Broadway show, ‘Rent,’ are initially brought in by Marci to sing about abstinence with Dr. S introducing them as the new spokesperson for the campaign. After a few minutes of reorganizing the group, Dr. S reintroduces Boys R Us who then proceed to sing about being openly gay and sexually active instead of straight and abstinent. If you don’t bust out laughing at this scene, then there’s something seriously wrong with you because it is down right hysterical.

Marci X does have the somewhat typical and at times annoying, ‘I’m white so that means I must be uppity and stupid’ storyline and overall it’s full of mediocre performances, with the very notable exception of Christine Baranski, but it also has the ...