With chases, humor and hot models, ‘Taxi’ has lots to like

Published 12:32 pm Thursday, October 14, 2004

“Taxi,” starring Jimmy Fallon and Queen Latifah, directed by Tim Story, is fast paced and full of pretty people. A remake of the 1998 French film, the Fallon/Latifah vehicle looses none of the action while adding a lot of New York City humor.

Fallon is New York City police officer Washburn, an average cop and horrible driver who is on foot patrol when he tries to follow bank robbers.

Latifah is Belle, a former bike messenger, who has spent five years putting together the ultimate cab. She helps Washburn corner the bad guys, but the models-turned criminals get away.

Washburn gets fired, Belle’s taxi is impounded and the bank robbers continue their spree. Washburn and Belle team up to work the case.

Fallon does a good job as the anxious Washburn. While Latifah is not an accomplished actress, she certainly performs well as the straight person to Fallon.

Ann-Margret still looks good and provides several laughs of her own as Washburn’s lush of a mother.

With high speed chases, hip humor and hot models, Taxi is worth the trip.

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John Malgesini is an educator at Umatilla High School.

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