Terry Crews is an actor, stand-up comedian, television host and former NFL player. He is best known for his roles as Julius Rock on the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris and Terry Jeffords in the Fox and NBC comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
He also has a wide-ranging resume that includes roles in movies such as The Expendables film franchise and cameos on shows like Bridesmaids.
1. The Expendables 2
For anyone who has ever enjoyed a movie with the likes of Stallone, Van Damme, Norris, Statham and Lundgren on screen together at the same time, The Expendables 2 is the 123movies film for you. It’s a violent, humorous, over the top action flick that delivers non-stop entertainment from start to finish.
The sequel to 2010’s box office smash hit stars old-guard action heroes Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture in a bid to prove they still have what it takes to deliver fist pumping action. Director Simon West (of that immortal guilty pleasure Con Air) does a good job of ratcheting up the tension and flashing the cash.
However, the premise is by-the-numbers, and the movie is more about racking up a body count than instilling any sense of adventure or intrigue.
2. Bridesmaids
The first female ensemble comedy to balance realistic characters with smart laughs, BRIDESMAIDS is a hilariously heartfelt film that’s also surprisingly insightful. Kristen Wiig finally proves she can carry a movie on her own and the rest of the cast — including Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy (as linebacker tough Megan) is great.
Judd Apatow’s usual trademark of gross-out humor, grimy language and bad behavior is present here, but he manages to rein it in a bit, and the script is more fully rounded than most of his previous efforts.
Jon Hamm is appropriately creepy as a casual fling, and Chris O’Dowd makes an appealing impression as a kindly cop. Sadly, this is the final film appearance for the late Jill Clayburgh, who provides one or two funny lines as Annie’s mother. This is Apatow’s best work since The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
3. White Chicks
During the time in which this film was released, critics were not very kind. In fact, it got nominated for five of the Worst Picture Razzie awards and Dave Kehr of the New York Times compared it to the “dumb, sexist” Marci X.
The Wayans brothers starred as FBI agents Kevin and Marcus Copeland who go undercover as the rich Wilson sisters to track down a kidnapper. The movie is full of stereotypes and racial humor that may be in poor taste for some.
In their attempt to blend in, the men partake in stereotypical female leisure activities such as shopping and sleepovers. The brothers also learn to appreciate the fairer sex in a backdoor way as they encourage a put-upon girl to stop being such a doormat when it comes to rich guys. It’s all crude satire but still good for a laugh.
4. The Longest Yard
Despite the rap soundtrack and a few of its jokes that fall flat, The Longest Yard has a raw energy that makes it hard to resist. This remake of a 1974 film deconstructs the sports movie genre with an eye for how it treats the lives of black prisoners.
Adam Sandler lacks the self-assured cockiness that Burt Reynolds brought to the role as Paul Crewe but he is still effective in this prison drama. His character trains a ragtag group of prisoners to take on the penitentiary’s semi-pro guard team and it is hard not to root for them in their quest to get even with the corrupt prison officials.
The DVD extras include a full commentary with Burt Reynolds and producer Albert Ruddy. Also included is a documentary that includes interviews with Burt and the cast as well as a bunch of archival footage from the film.
5. The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys is a whimsical dark-themed movie with a message of light. It has a well-plotted storyline compounded with amazing graphics and animations. While it may need a bit of parental guidance because of its darker theme and some bathroom humor, it is one of the best movies Terry Crews has been in.
Originally written by Lois Lowry, the story of four children seeking familial love by intentionally orphaning themselves is an unconventional and uplifting adventure. While the film shares a lot of DNA with other children’s films, its overwrought physical comedy and cartoony character design (which feels pulled from Hotel Transylvania) make it feel like a bit of a throwaway.
Short and Rudolph are appealing as the quick-thinking Linda and her devious twins, but it’s really the kids who steal the show. The Willoughbys is a fun and unique film that will make you want to hug the kids in your life.
