Are we done yet?

(Sony Pictures Releasing)

Run Time: 92 mins
Rating: PG, Comedy
Starring: Nia Long, Nick Persons (Ice Cube)
Directed by: Steve Carr

Like those famous words… are we done yet? This movie had me thinking it too many times in too many minutes. Don’t get me wrong I am a huge Ice Cube fan but this simple plan sequel seemed to be a straight to DVD movie for me.

Directed by Steve Carr (Dr Dolittle 2, daddy Day Care) I believe he really does follow his formula throughout most of his movies he directs in this same vain and I do hope to see something different and edgier that also recognises his award winning film clip direction talents.

So we left off in “Are we there yet” with Nick Persons (Ice Cube) and Suzanne (Nia Long) having just got married, moving into Nick’s rented bachelor pad with her two growing children and the dog. Cramped and uncomfortable Nick is trying to set his new family up and his life as a sports magazine entrepreneur but in this tight and confined space he can’t find the time to think. Suzanne suddenly announces they are having twins! Quickly the family start house hunting and pack up and move out of the big city and into the peaceful outer edges. Stumbling on a local realtor Chuck Mitchell (John C Mcginley) AKA resident contractor AKA local inspector AKA. Local handyman AKA midwife AKA jerk of all trades. Who I believe models his quirky style of acting on Jim Carey.

Chuck introduces them to a palatial manor spanning across acres. It has a separate flat on the river for Nick to pursue his magazine in peace and at his own pace, how inviting and although it needs some work it is too good to be true for Nick. This place is unseeingly magical and a dream come true. Swiftly Nick signs the dotted line no questions asked. In the effort to please his new family and move forward in gaining their respect and to provide as the man of the household.

Taking it in his stride Nick believes that this is the joy of living in a place like this with a FEW diy jobs it will all be part of the family experience. Suddenly those FEW diy jobs turn into; lets say a termite mountain of problems. Things suddenly go from bad to worse, dry rot, corroded plumbing, animal infestation, falling roofing, no water, and no electricity and before you know it chuck has moved onto their land in his trailer. Brining his tradesmen they begin work on the house to Nicks anger and dismay.

While the house deteriorates so do Nicks relationships with his family. Where nick fails Chuck succeeds even with Kevin and Lindsey, Suzanne’s children. Walking in on a pre natal class in his unfinished lounge room is the last straw for nick as he runs Chuck out of the house and fires him. Trying to reason and bring Nick back to a place of Zen Chuck is transformed from jerk of all trades to a likeable jack of all trades and you at once feel an ounce of sympathy for him. Nick isn’t feeling it though and throws Chuck off his property; unfortunately this small town is full of loyalists so the whole entire trade team leave with Chuck. Suzanne angered by Nicks tantrum decides to move herself and the kids out the back into the flat until Nick comes to his senses about Chuck and their family. Left out in the cold this is the time of fruition for Nick. I will prove everyone wrong.

We now go on Nicks journey of building and repair not only materialistically but also physically and emotionally. Growing through thunderstorms and loveless nights Nick builds and repairs his dream home and family relations even taking the initiative to repair his relationship with Chuck.

What he builds in the end is a beautiful happy home!
As plain and simple as I thought this movie was I thought the Carr did give it charm, warmth and a little heart.

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