Phat Girlz is one rotten piece of crap. I hate to say it that way, but some movies don’t deserve the flowery lambasting some more deserving bad films get from their critics. They should simply be called what they are. That’s why I equate this film with the “c” word. Mo’Nique stars as a plus-sized hypocrite, who seems to have the same prejudgments about “skinny bitches” as they seem to have about her – in the confines of the film, that is. Overweight people are given a saintly presence, while most everyone…– male or female – capable of squeezing into one airplane seat is portrayed with utter contempt.
And the jokes are the epitome of weak. One embarrassing moment in the film comes when Mo’Nique has one of the lamest word battles ever heard with a fry cook. The jokes written for her hapless adversary were in circulation around the first Thanksgiving, and I’m sure made it over on the Mayflower. Mo’Nique’s comebacks are designed to be uproariously better, a technique which might have worked were it not for the head-scratching lack of sense made on execution. We’re left to think, “Was that supposed to be funny?” Topping off this exercise in ridicule – as in ridiculous – is a story that sends eyeballs rolling immediately into their sockets. Mo’Nique and her shy plus-sized friend win a trip to a Caribbean resort, where they JUST SO HAPPEN to meet two buff Nigerian men, who JUST SO HAPPEN to like large women, and JUST SO HAPPEN to be successful doctors in their native land. The film’s efforts at fairy tale unwind quickly to the realms of absurdity, and never recover.
Video
The 1.85:1 anamorphic presentation is pretty standard, offering a swell picture, as should be expected for a film of such youth and budget. Colors are vibrant; flesh tones are well-rendered; and blacks are spot-on. I detected no signs of grain or edge enhancement either. The image is in the prime of its life; unfortunately, the film has no prime.
Audio
Excellent bass levels on the 5.1 track highlight what is probably the best part of this package. The 5.1 has considerable all-round power. Dialogue also comes in at a high volume. You certainly don’t need much of your volume meter to hear Phat Girlz loud and clear. But alas, who would want to? French and Spanish tracks (both 2.1) are also available.
Special Features
The director’s commentary gives Director Likke a chance to explain the awful decision of taking this job. There is, unfortunately, an extended version of the film, as if the theatrical cut wasn’t enough torture. The Reel Deal: The Making of Phat Girlz is also there to supplement the audio commentary. Rounding out the package are the following: Super Size Dreams – Director’s Video Diary, The Phattest Guy – A Tribute to Producer Bobby Newmyer, and a blooper reel. Ugh.
Final Thoughts
Predictable, far-fetched, obnoxious, unfunny – Phat Girlz is all of these things. But inevitably, for every professionally produced turd out there, a group of fans always exists, however small, ready to embrace it. Phat Girlz, I’m sure, will find an audience. For those in that number, this package should scratch your Mo’Nique itch. To the rest of the movie-going public, avoid like Ebola.
Special Features List
- Super Size Dreams – Director’s Video Diary
- Blooper Reel
- Extended Version and Theatrical Cut
- Director’s Audio Commentary
- The Phattest Guy – A Tribute to Producer Bobby Newmyer
- The Reel Deal: The Making of Phat Girlz
