What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

MPAA Rating: PG-13

for language and sexual content

Moral Rating:

Very Offensive

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Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Teen to Adult

Genre:

Comedy

Length:

_____

Year of Release:

2001

USA Release:

June 1, 2001

Relevant Issues

Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito in “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”

Featuring:	Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo, Glenne Headly, William Fichtner
Director:	Sam Weisman
Producer:	David Hoberman, Ashok Amritraj, Lawrence Turman, John Morrisey, Wendy Dytman
Distributor:	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Synopsis: (from the producer) Kevin Caffery (Martin Lawrence) is a professional thief with taste and style who gets a tip for an easy heist: Billionaire tycoon Max Fairbanks’ (Danny DeVito) unoccupied beachfront mansion. But as Kevin is tossing Faberge eggs into his professional pillowcase, he finds himself face to face with the billionaire. Just before the cops drag Kevin away, Max spies Kevin’s good-luck ring and decides to claim it as his own. Only one problem—the ring was given to Kevin by his new love, and he is determined to get it back. How far will these two men go? As far as they have to. Even if it means divorce, public scandal, financial ruin, and prison. This battle of capitalist vs. robber escalates into a colossal tournament of egos threatening to take both men and everyone around them down. Perhaps this “lucky ring” may not be so lucky after all.

The producers were able to create two hours of worthless and offensive behavior. No socially redeeming qualities whatsoever. This isn’t fit for teenagers or anyone else. The only law-abiding character was an exaggerated homosexual. don’t waste your time or money on this one!
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive / 2]
—George Caylor, age 57

“What’s The Worst” is a movie which could very well have been rated R had it not been for the bleeping out of 8 F-words during a television broadcast. Each of these expletives are noticeable to a tee, and the worst part is that a women signing the broadcast in sign language uses a variety of offensive hand gestures in order to sign this profane monologue. The film was also chock-full of sexual innuendos about every topic from homosexuality to adultery. Children younger than 13 should definitely not see this movie.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive / 3]
—Eric Schmidt

I thought it had some stuff but nothing really bad. A hilarious movie. Martin Lawrence was great. A good movie for teenagers…
My Ratings: [4½]
—Anna, age 27

Movie Critics

…Condoned adultery, premarital sex, occultic fortune telling and an abundance of foul language…
—Preview Family Movie and TV Review

…One of these characters spontaneously admits he’s gay in a humiliating moment; another plays into swishy gay stereotypes…
—Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune

…resorts to a lot of blustery fussing over a stolen ring and a barely convincing romance, with almost no trace of Lawrence’s crazier talents…
—The Hollywood Reporter