Waking up in a body that is not the one you fell asleep in is a rich comedy formula that has worked with varying levels of success over the years. Of course, there’s the body switching comedies, a la Freaky Friday and then there’s the Big-like flicks that find a major character either waking up as an adult or awaking as a child to (hopefully) hilarious results. Little (out now on DVD and Blu-Ray) takes the latter and what makes it watchable is those wielding the comedy—leads Regina Hall and Marsai Martin (Black-ish).
Hall and Martin are both Jordan Sanders. Hall tackles her as an adult (obviously) who is not the nicest of people, particularly in the work landscape. The one who bears the brunt of her lashing out is her long pained assistant, April (Issa Rael). Karma comes on pretty fiercely as one day, Sanders awakes and instead of her bad ass self, she is … Little. Like child little and suddenly, Sanders needs April in a big way because she is a minor and the power has shifted seismically. One gets the sense that some wrong must be righted (or something in that vein) in order for this “spell” to be reversed.
Why Little works is because of the talent tandem that is Hall and Martin. What’s fascinating is the “little” girl from Black-ish is also a producer on this title and from what we learn from the bonus features (and a little bit of research), the film’s entire idea was hers! Hall is a stellar actress whose work is finally getting the respect it has deserved for years. She won a few critics association awards for Best Actress last year for her stunning turn in Support the Girls and to see her play such a “meanie” is a total blast because in her hands, it is not just surface deep… her Jordan Sanders has (what she perceives) to be a reason for her wicked ways and with Hall wielding the wickedness, it is a joy to behold.
The problem with the film is it winds up being a one-joke flick and those wear thin over the runtime. Not even Hall or Martin’s wide-ranging talent can save the film from a screenplay that seems to run out of gas before too long. Rae is a third spoke in the wheel of awesomeness that brings Little to life, but she too can only work with so much. It is a fun ride, but sadly just comes up short over the course of the entirety.
More Than a LITTLE Talent is the most fascinating of bonus features on the Little Blu-Ray. It goes behind-the-scenes with the cast to show how they put much of the film together. One’s appreciation of the talents of the lead trio will only increase with this featurette that gives us an even deeper appreciation for the awesomeness that is Hall.
The Gag Reel is outstanding and finally we get a comedy that delivers a blooper reel that is worthy of a purchase-able DVD/Blu-Ray. So many comedies don’t take the time (of late) to put together bloopers that features comedic actors and actresses doing their best.
For those who like to see how a star comes up with their characterization, Regina Goes Method takes us inside the talented thespian’s approach to portraying this soul. Not only is it a fascinating look at an actress’s approach, but it is extra interesting due to her needing to coordinate with her younger co-star who also portrays the same person.
The other bonus feature that is such a joy is Issa Rae’s Assistant Survival Guide. Supporting player Rae gives her priceless insight into how one even remotely tries to survive a day, much less a work week with a boss who is nothing short of a real life nightmare.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: B