Taxi

March 3, 2005

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 100 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

You have to admit that the previews make this movie look pretty stupid. I mean seriously, a taxi cab with Super-Pursuit mode? But, it did show a potential for car chases and babes, so we gave it a shot, and boy are we glad we did!

Taxi

The movie starts off with some great bike riding, and we’re not talking Jesse James bikes here, we’re talking about a courier on a bicycle riding through the streets (and stores and subways) of New York City . This courier turns out to be Belle (Queen Latifah) who amazingly enough looked a lot thinner when doing all those bike stuntsï¿½ anyway, Belle is finishing up her last day as a courier as she’s starting a new career as a taxi driver.

Turns out Belle is a bit of a gearhead, and apparently an electronics wiz, design guru, bodywork genius and professional driver as wellï¿½ amazing that the only job she’s held up to this point is as a courier. After strapping a supercharger to her taxi before turning in for the night, Belle is ready for her first day at work. The first passenger we see her take is a bossy white dude who wants to get from Time Square to the Airport in 15 min. No problem of course as this taxi would put KITT to shame. A panel pops up out of the console, bodywork changes before our eyes, the wheels change and she attaches a MOMO racing wheel to the steering column. Time to drive! OK, it’s really silly but darn amusing to watch happen. Of course she makes it, scaring the crap out of her passenger in the process.

Next up is Detective Washburn (Jimmy Fallon) who is about to screw up a bust. Wait? Did I just spoil the movie for you? Could it be possible that the detective in the movie isn’t a screwup at the beginning of the movie who will just happen to save the day by the end? Nah, you knew all that already, you’re a guy. So Washburn screws things up and in the process has his drivers license taken away. The next time we see him he hears a radio call for officers to respond to a bank robbery. He’s only a couple of blocks away, but doesn’t have a car. He’s young and appears in good shape, so of course he grabs a taxi for those two blocks. Yes, it’s Belle.

From this point on Belle and Washburn are reluctant partners trying to solve a bank robbery. All typical buddy-cop stuff, but it’s very well done. Why on earth did this one get 4 stars? Well, the car chases are very well done, the humor is consistent, and there’s a priceless girl-girl moment that moved it from 3 to 4 stars.

This doesn’t have to be seen on the big screen to enjoy it, but it’s date-friendly and will be a lot of fun in a crowded theater. Give it a go, you’ll have a good time.

Posted by John | Filed Under 4 Stars, Ana Cristina De Oliveira, Ann-Margret, Comedy, DVD, Jennifer Esposito, Jimmy Fallon, PG-13, Queen Latifah