Mike Epps Ranked

Welcome to "Ranked", a weekly series where I rank a franchise or filmography from worst to best and hand out assorted related superlatives. This week, I'm profiling the work of Mike Epps-whose latest project "The Underdoggs" debuts on Prime Video this Friday. 

Mike Epps' Filmography Ranked:

29.Acts of Violence (D+)

28.Friday After Next (D+)

27.Next Day Air (D+)

26.Dr. Doolittle 2 (C-)

25.Jumping the Broom (C-)

24.The Honeymooners (C)

23.Guess Who (C)

22.How High 2 (C)

21.Fifty Shades of Black (C)

20.The Last Black Man in San Francisco (C)

19.All About the Benjamins (C)

18.You People (C+)

17.Soul Men (C+)

16.The Hangover Part III (C+)

15.Malibu's Most Wanted (C+)

14.Resident Evil: Apocalypse (C+)

13.Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (B-)

12.Faster (B-)

11.Death Wish (B-)

10.Next Friday (B-)

9.Roll Bounce (B-)

8.Hancock (B)

7.Girls Trip (B)

6.Uncle Drew (B)

5.Resident Evil: Extinction (B)

4.Talk to Me (B)

3.How High (B+)

2.The Hangover (A)

1.Dolemite is My Name (A)

Top Dog: Dolemite is My Name (2019)

This biopic about the creation of the Dolemite character by comedian/dreamer Rudy Ray Moore and the making of the subsequent Blaxploitation classic of the same name is a pure delight. Eddie Murphy gives his funniest, most commanding performance in ages as a long-struggling performer who finally gets to live out his dream of stardom after years of failure, the supporting cast is loaded with scene-stealers (Wesley Snipes, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan Michael-Key, Epps, Titus Burgess, Craig Robinson) that adds plenty of chaos, camaraderie and heart to Moore's Dolemite journey and director Craig Brewer ensures that the film is a vibrant love letter to independent cinema and all of the fearlessness, creativity and DIY-driven ingenuity that makes it possible.     

Bottom Feeder: Acts of Violence (2018)

Whether it's on the big screen or for a streaming service, Hollywood has churned out plenty of huge action genre misfires over the years. But in my eyes at least, at least 95% of those whiffs can't contend with the garbage that is coming out of the direct-to-VOD/video space. Enter Acts of Violence-which is actually considered to be one of the better films that Bruce Willis appeared in during the epic, actually quite tragic run of low budget flicks he put together before he was forced to retire from acting in 2022 for health reasons. This entire film is so poorly constructed from top to bottom that it feels like a group of college freshman somehow got a handful of recognizable actors (Cole Hauser, Shawn Ashmore, Ashton Holmes, Sophia Bush, Patrick St. Espirt, Willis, Epps) to appear in their student film that was shot over 4 days in a midwest suburb. How movies like Acts of Violence remain profitable endeavors for their producers that distributors from all over the world rake out cash for-especially in an era where VOD rentals have seemingly declined quite a bit from the late 2000's/early 2010's- is completely beyond my comprehension.        

Most Underrated: Dolemite is My Name (2019)

Netflix's burial of Dolemite is My Name is one of the most egregious sins they've ever committed on their platform. If you're the market to watch a movie that's fun, warm and inspiring and/or a fan of Eddie Murphy, please considering seeking this one out.   

Most Overrated: Girls Trip (2016)

Girls Trip is a pretty funny movie that reminds me of the good old days when R-rated comedies used to be able to breakout and become blockbusters at the box office. I just also happen to think it's a very flawed movie that relies far too heavily on one character to provide the engine for the comedy (Tiffany Haddish's Dina) and makes the stunning miscalculation of not allowing proven genre ace Regina Hall to actively partake in any of the comedic bits.       

Movie That I Still Can't Believe Epps Appeared In: Acts of Violence (2018)

As illustrated by the list above, Epps' filmography is dominated by comedies. But like most veteran working actors, Epps occasionally zigs out of his comfort zone and takes on some projects that you wouldn't expect him to appear in. While his roles in a pair of Resident Evil movie, indie drama The Last Black Man in San Francisco and the upcoming superhero film Madame Web certainly fall under this umbrella, the only time Epps showing up in something truly bewildered me was Acts of Violence. Sure, Epps has appeared in the occasional action movie over the years, but a direct-to-VOD dud? That's far below his pay grade. Making his appearance in this film even more unexpected is the fact that he plays a vicious sex trafficking kingpin. Seriously, how crazy is that! While he didn't get exactly shine brightly in this villainous role, seeing him go so far out of his comfort zone was easily the most interesting thing about this cheap, deeply incompetent misfire.