Let's Go to Prison (2006)

This movie is an instant classic. The laughter never stops. The funniest thing about this film is that it isn't that far from the truth of what actually happens behind prison walls. The comedic relief is actually the facts of the matter. The humor in this movie is actually pretty dry, but creative. I found myself laughing more often than not. I like how everyone is against the lawyer, even the people at his own foundation (The Beederman Foundation). It basically says "all lawyers are crooks" ha-ha. At least that's what I got out of it. I also like how the movie took actual prison type scenarios and turned them into comedic drama. That's the best part about it. This movie is a hoot. You'll laugh most of the way through. It will be enjoyed by most people familiar, or unfamiliar, with our justice system.Over all, this movie will keep you laughing, and wondering what will happen next. It's a hell of a laugh fest, with good acting and fun characters. Prepare for a good time.

Chi McBride steals the show in this one, but credit must go, too, to the writers and the director: LET'S GO TO PRISON takes us boldly where no behind-bars bromance has ever taken us before- and does so hilariously. The frank, matter-of-fact acceptance of the hero/victim of his own plight when he is framed speaks volumes; it's almost as if it's a given that all Big Business higher-ups are corrupt (and the only real difference is the small matter of degree). Once behind bars, he takes to his new situation readily enough and it's here that LET'S GO TO PRISON ventures into heretofore uncharted territory. The budding bromance with Chi McBride is fun to watch- and the movie never once backtracks or tries to talk its way out of it: it's an accepted part of life behind bars (though it's seldom mentioned, except in SCARED STRAIGHT situations) (and you thought punks wearing their pants at half-mast do so because they're emulating men behind bars who have no belts...)... LET'S GO TO PRISON never punks out.

Not long into watching "Let's Go To Prison", I started to wonder if this movie was originally constructed as a direct-to-video release or as a cable movie, instead of being made for theaters. Researching the production company, I saw that almost all their other credits are TV work. Also, the production values of the movie aren't so hot - though not serious cheap to the eye, the movie boasts some evident cost-cutting, like the frequent use of close-ups. Still, I think the movie still could have worked - but it doesn't. It simply isn't that funny, with no spin done on tired prison clichés that long stopped being funny. (As well, there are some scenes that seem to be intended to be *serious* - what the...?) Also, there is not one sympathetic character in the movie, making it hard to care about the fate of anyone. I will admit that the (mostly) non-name cast does manage to show they have talent, enough that I hope they manage to move past this movie and get better quality productions to work on. But this isn't enough to save the movie.

I usually don't care for prison movies but this one has me hooked. Every time I come across it on HBO, maybe half way through, I have to watch it again. The casting is perfect from the principles to the guards and other inmates. Even the judge was fun to watch. Will Arnett is great as the spoiled rich guy out of his element. Dax Shepherd is also great with his sophisticated narration despite his stoner persona. Chi McBride is fun to watch his seductive moves and then his transformation as a rich heir to Will's estate. The movie has a realist look and feel and at the same time is absurd and improbable: a good formula. Each scene is so well crafted. The editing removed any unnecessary filler that might slow the pace. There are no scenes that I would leave the room to get a beer and miss anything. The humor is not laugh out loud funny but very clever and satisfying. Arnett's facial expressions are worthy of some kind of award. I don't know how he did it. He really had to let go of looking good.All in all, an enjoyable, off beat, pleasant surprise of a movie. I pester my friends to watch it.