What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001)

Sophisticated thief Martin Lawrence (as Kevin Caffery) attends an auction, looking for prospective victims. He finds something more desirable in beautiful Carmen Ejogo (as Amber Belhaven). Bringing her a landscape painting she had to auction off gets the previously reluctant Ms. Ejogo into bed fairly quickly. After copulating, she gives Mr. Lawrence a lucky ring. He wears the ring while robbing wealthy businessman Danny DeVito (as Max Fairbanks). Lawrence gets caught and Mr. DeVito claims the ring was stolen. Police make Lawrence give the ring to DeVito. DeVito begins to think the ring is lucky, also. The men fight over the ring for the rest of the movie...

The teaming of Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito may look inviting and funny, but don't expect much from this duo. Although DeVito's draw had diminished somewhat, both were dependable "box office" stars. Here, they are self-assured and unappealing (a toxic combination). "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" features good production values, with nice photography by Anastas Michos. Sam Weisman may have had a difficult time directing his leading men, but some of the other scenes work. Larry Miller (as Earl) and the old lady in the elevator wielding pepper spray (Michelle Youell) are able to evoke a chuckle, but a bad film brings down everyone's best efforts.

** What's the Worst That Could Happen? (6/1/01) Sam Weisman ~ Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito, Carmen Ejogo, John Leguizamo

Fmovies: Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to give this movie lousy reviews, and I can't figure out why. Both Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito are totally hilarious, and this entire film is packed with great jokes. Also, a great supporting part by William Fichtner as the dog-loving Detective Alex Tardio, a must-see for any fans of his. The rest of the cast is great too, as is the soundtrack. DeVito and Lawrence are a great pair, and the way they battle with witty comments makes this movie 10 times better, as if it wasn't funny enough already. What's The Worst That Could Happen? is definitely watchable again and again. One of my very favorites. Love it!!!

This movie was refreshingly funny, as Martin Lawrence and Danny De Vito give great comic performances. De Vito steals Lawrence's ring as the latter is caught burglarizing the former's house, and Lawrence spends the majority of the film trying to get it back.

A funny film all around, and the scene where De Vito is testifying before a senate committee is not to be missed.

*** out of ****

What's the Worst That Could Happen? fmovies. Danny DeVito and Martin Lawrence do excellent in this hilarious comedy. Martin Lawrence plays a man who robs a rich guy's house (DeVito) and instead of him robbing, he gets robbed. Now, he will stop at nothing to get the ring that DeVito stole from him. To help him is hilarious John Leguizamo. Also joining them is Bernie Mac and another guy. This movie is very funny. It shows how good DeVito and Lawrence are together.

Overall the movie is very funny and I recommend this to anybody who likes comedy. I loved the courtroom broadcast. That was hilarious. Rating 10 out of 10.

I generally find Martin Lawrence too vulgar for my tastes, but this loose but mostly faithful adaptation of Westlake's novel is breezy and easy to take. There are a lot of fun characterizations, a few silly, but most interesting. Carmen Egojo is a revelation as Lawrence's girlfriend. William Fichter is unforgettable as the detective who suspects De Vito of committing insurance fraud. De Vito is funny as usual, and Nora Dunn is a standout as DeVito's wife.

Lie back, relax, and enjoy.

Very funny flick with likable thieves, wicked victims, and lots of smart silliness. A shady rich man catches a thief and the victim robs the burglar. Both men decide that the stolen ring is their own good luck charm, and a continuing vendetta brings on more robberies, cons and battles between DeVito and Lawrence.

The romantic/sexy bits are light and keep the story moving along. Martin Lawrence and Carmen Ejogo are great together, and DeVito gets to carry on multiple affairs in divine comical studliness.

The various cops, cohorts, lawyers, security consultants, psychic assistants, and the fence are all good fun, and the gay, dog-loving detective is just the cherry on top. The flavor of Donald Westlake's criminal farce comes shining through.