After her Oscar-nominated success in Chicago, Queen Latifah gives Steve Martin a run for his comic expertise in Bringing Down the House.

Martin, who plays a lawyer left by the wife he still loves, tries the world of online dating. After "chatting" with a woman who he believes is an affluent white lawyer, Martin sets up a face-to-face meeting. What he soon realizes is that his date, played by Latifah, is a tough African-American prison escapee who is trying to clear her name with his legal knowledge.

Peter, Martin's character, realizes the error of his ways, but too late. Latifah's character, Charlene, already has plans to make his life a living hell by invading his home and bringing complete chaos to his once normal life.

The picture's racially driven humor has already brought controversy to audiences and critics. While it threatens to cross a line of inappropriateness on more than one occasion, these two veterans humor their loyal audiences with many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the picture.

Martin and Latifah make an odd couple, but manage to keep people of all races and ages laughing at all of the politically incorrect scenes. While some view the script as slightly offensive, the giggling within the theater proves that the silly and shocking dialogue takes chances, but works.

Eugene Levy provides, perhaps, some of the best laughter moments through his portrayal of Howie, Martin's friend and co-worker. Some of the material in this movie becomes laugh-worthy as Levy portrays the man who attempts to win the heart of this hip ex-con.

"It was nice to finally see a comic veteran like Martin show his versatile style," audience member Rachel Dunn said. "How could anyone not find Martin dressing like a "gangsta" hilarious?"

The majority of scenes in the 105-minute show leaves the audience wailing on the edge of their seats. The interaction of the stars creates a storyline that is memorable and humorous for the entire family.

The ridiculing of racial stereotyping and intolerance attempts to breakdown barriers that still exist in our world today. Director Adam Shankman reveals a softer side to an ongoing problem, allowing audience members to walk away with a rewarding movie-going experience.

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