Little Man

Little Man is an American comedy film released in 2006 that features a mix of old fashioned slapstick comedy, contemporary, humorous language play, and wild parody. This comedic escapade mirrors the classic theme of mistaken identity and is directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, with his real-life brothers, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, taking center stage in the movie. The film also stars well-known actress Kerry Washington, real-life brothers and well-known comedians Marlon and Shawn Wayans.

The film's premise is anything but ordinary. It centers around the story of a dwarf-size jewel thief, Calvin, portrayed ingeniously by Marlon Wayans, who escapes from prison with his full-sized partner Percy, played by Tracy Morgan. The hilarity begins when two of them pull a diamond heist, and Calvin is forced to sneak the diamond into the purse of a passerby to hide it from the authorities. However, the pair soon realize that they have inadvertently chosen the purse of a suburban housewife, Vanessa, the role admirably played by the gorgeous Kerry Washington. Hence, the misadventures begin when the duo devise an outlandish plan to retrieve their ill-gotten gem.

In order to retrieve the stolen diamond, within the realms of laugh out loud absurdity, Calvin disguises as a toddler, trying to mimic the look and behavior of a cute baby. A clever trick of technology allows Marlon Wayans' face to be superimposed on a double's body, causing numerous laughable scenes. Shawn Wayans, playing the role of Vanessa's husband Darryl, is charmed by the "baby" and decides to take him in, unaware of what they're inviting into their peaceful home. This decision leads to comedy gold as the audience is presented with humorous scenarios of a fully grown man with the mind of a thief, maneuvering his way around his newfound home, all while trying to act like a baby.

Humor arises beautifully from how Calvin manipulates Darryl and Vanessa while trying to maintain the innocent behavior of a toddler. The baby mimicry marries well with the heist plot, ensuing hilarity in every scene. The plethora of physical gags and slapstick comedy in conjunction with the subtle humor presented by the Wayans brothers brings to life the world of a thief inhabiting a toddler's world and presents the audience with a tonic of absurdity and enjoyment.

Darryl's dream of becoming a father comes into play in an amusing manner throughout the plot. His desire to exhibit ideal paternal behavior, coupled with his wife's initial scepticism, and later acceptance of Calvin as their child, adds an additional layer of complexity to the film.

Things escalate quickly when the authorities close in, forcing Calvin and Percy to keep up their ruse while avoiding the law. As a result, several misinterpreted incidents unfold, adding to the comedy of the film. The exploration of Calvin's character in the situations he finds himself in, as he juggles his roles as both jewel thief and an adopted baby, forms the hilarious backbone of the plot.

Moreover, Vanessa's reawakening maternal instinct and Darryl's determination to embrace fatherhood, despite the chaos around them, paints a comic picture with its heart in the right place. As both try to balance work, life, newfound parenthood, and the unexpected dramas that come with their adopted "baby," the audience is in for a light-hearted, comical, and somewhat absurd festival of laughter.

Little Man is geared towards viewers who appreciate slapstick comedy with a new twist of man-playing-baby. The direction of Keenan Ivory Wayans, coupled with the comic timing of his brothers Marlon and Shawn Wayans, makes Little Man a movie that promises lots of laughter. It is an absurdly funny movie with loads of sight gags, pratfalls, and farcical situations, making it the quintessential choice for a laughter-filled evening for viewers who wholeheartedly enjoy this unique blend of humor.