Skank Robbers: Nothing Good Can Come of This...Or Can It?

I tried to ignore this week's news that Jamie Foxx and Martin Lawrence are actually going to make a movie out of "Skank Robbers," a marginally funny sketch they debuted at the BET Awards months ago.

The film, acquired by Screen Gems, puts both comics in dresses to reprise their roles as the uber ugly Wanda (Foxx) and snap-happy Shenehneh, characters from "In Living Color" and "Martin," respectively.

Check that sketch out below:

How hard are you cringing?

I begged the heavens NOT to let this happen, if you recall my blow-by-blow rundown of the Awards/MJ Tribute back then. Scroll to the middle of the page and see where I wrote:

"Set it Off" with the Ugliest Actresses Ever: Shenehneh (Martin Lawrence) and Wanda (Jamie Foxx) reprise their comics-in-a-dress roles in a faux trailer for "Skank Robbers." Please don't let any Hollywood producers think this is real and try to get the green light.

Did I somehow put this idea into the cosmos? Is it (gulp) my fault this is happening?

Perhaps because of my deep-seated guilt or the need to find something positive in pop culture this week, I've decided to list why this movie might not be a total FAIL. Pitch in if you can...

1. If it bombs, agents may stop their male comic clients from donning dresses for laughs.

2. It will stop Lawrence from making "Big Momma's House: the Prequel."

3. Jamie Foxx will be too occupied to talk about other celebs' young daughters.

4. It will cause Tyler Perry to rethink Madea because of the glut of wig-wearing comics.

5. It will go straight to DVD...no scratch that, 8MM, and teach Hollywood a thing or three about this tired formula.

6. Even if it is terrible, it will be no worse than anything Paris Hilton has ever starred in.

Got any more Mr. Brightside style items for me? Or do you think this could be funny and are Fandango-ing for the future? Add your opinion here, and bless you in advance.

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3 Comments

natalieymoore said:

yes, kyra, it's all your fault. some hollywood-type guy read your blog and the wheels started turning in his head. tsk, tsk. ;)

Posted on November 13, 2009 10:13 AM

Kyra Kyles said:

It is my fault, Natalie. Thanks for rubbing it in. :) Ha, I wonder how long it took that exec post-skit to make the call? I'm guessing 30 seconds.

Posted on November 13, 2009 11:28 AM

silkysoul said:

*-sigh-* I'm gonna get my "black card" pulled for this comment, but I'm willing to play devil's advocate for a minute.

While I'm familar with the history of buffonery and coonery in Hollywood (e.g., Amos 'N Andy; The Jazz Singer; etc), and the lack of opportunity for Black artists to show range and talent in movies (e.g., playing butlers and maids for the longest), do you think projects like this one influence the "mainstream" moviegoer to the extent that they are a mistake to make these days?

Denzel, among others, is doing his thing on "respectable" movies. Heck, Jamie Foxx is an Oscar winner.

No one in the mainstream really protests "Dumb And Dumber", "Joe Dirt", "Wayne's World", "or "Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy". These characters were very unflattering, but some of the films are considered classics to many mainstream folks who watch this genre and not a drama like "The Queen" (with Helen Mirren).

Let's see where Jamie and Martin take this flick before we look down on 'em. It could suck big time, or it could be brilliant like "Friday".

Tyler Perry is holdin' down the other end with "Precious".

Posted on November 18, 2009 1:01 PM