Money Talks

Money Talks (1997): Dir: Brett Ratner / Cast: Chris Tucker, Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Elise Neal, Paul Sorvino: Standard comedy about the trouble that results when influenced by greed and money. Charlie Sheen plays a reporter who is trying to reveal con artist Chris Tucker. Tucker escapes police custody when the transporting bus explodes and several cops are killed. Tucker is blamed and a manhunt begins. Sheen, looking for the ultimate story, uncovers the real story thus landing him in alignment with Tucker. Typical formula with a climax to match although production pays off during the stadium sequence. Story functions around Tucker's wild antics and unnecessary elements such as Sheen's engagement to Heather Locklear. Director Brett Ratner handles the action with decent production. This is more or less a stage for Tucker's antics but he and Sheen collaborate very well. Locklear is never involved in the plot. She is simply a prop for Tucker to make some sort of embarrassing impression upon during a public event. It might have been practical had Sheen's character not been involved with anyone thus sparing viewers a lame subplot. Paul Sorvino plays Locklear's father and even that role isn't worth him even showing up for auditions for. While the film is well made technically, money is all talk in advertising this mediocre action film. Score: 3 / 10