Blankman MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Darryl (Damon Wayans) and his brother Kevin (David Alan Grier) live with their grandmother in a crime-infested neighborhood of the fictional city of Metro, Illinois. Darryl lives in a fantasy world, turning household appliances, utensils and trash into Rube Goldberg style inventions. The washing machine becomes a remote controlled robot. Kevin has designs on Kimberly (Robin Givens), the female news anchor at the TV station where he works. When their grandmother is gunned down by the mob, Darryl decides to fight crime. Dressed in long underwear, his grandmother's housecoat for a cape, and a mask made from socks, no one takes him seriously. Still, he protects the elderly from muggers and hookers from their abusive pimps. When he delivers a baby in an elevator, this masquerading character who doesn't know what to call himself suddenly has his picture splashed across the front page. Blankman is born! Kevin attempts to win over Kimberly by arranging an interview with Blankman, never dreaming she will fall for his "geek" of a brother. When the public starts mailing Blankman money to support his efforts, he sends it back. He had rather have their appliances and junk. This goofy comedy will generate a lot of laughs.

Darryl has never had a girl friend, and when Kimberly gives him a passionate kiss, his body movements are very suggestive. Kevin ridicules his younger brother about his innocence and lack of sexual experience. Blankman's childish reaction when he is forced to deliver a baby is rather crude also. Still, there is no sexual intercourse and nudity is limited to a hand drawn picture of breasts. As a crime fighter, Darryl is very earnest and innovative and never carries a weapon. When confronted by the crime boss, Blankman uses his wits instead of bullets. Several killings occur, but they are off-camera. Many gun threats, some massive explosions and life-threatening situations create suspense in a cartoonish setting. No deep messages here other than a plea to avoid violence and stamp out crime. Along with the laughs, however, come many crude remarks, obscenities and sexually suggestive comments which detract from the quality of the film.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232