By Miguel Mike Medina
Comedy legend Martin Lawrence received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame several days ago. It’s been long overdue. We thought he had a star a long time ago, but it’s not true. The time finally came. Steve Harvey, Lynn Whitfield, Tracy Morgan, and Martin co-star Tichina Arnold were there for him to support on this historic day.
Martin Lawrence, 58, is one of my all-time favorite comedians and, without a doubt, one of the greatest ever to do it. Steve Harvey’s speech was excellent, with no script. It all came straight from the heart. Lawrence put a lot of African-Americans to work front and behind the camera, and it all started during the Martin show. From producing to catering to many more positions. He looked out for many people and made Dej Comedy Jam must-see TV. The first two seasons of Def Comedy Jam were magical. Many household names emerged from that institution: Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, etc.
Marty Mar also had success in films such as the Bad Boys film franchise, Life alongside with Eddie Murphy, Big Momma’s House film franchise, and my favorite Martin Lawrence film, Blue Streak. Speaking of Blue Steak, that movie will always be special to me. It reminds me of my childhood days when I would watch that movie during holidays on Thanksgiving and New Year’s either on TNT or TBS when the black cable box was still around.
His 1994 standup comedy special, You’re So Crazy, is hilarious and wild. He said many things in that special that can’t be expressed in today’s soft show business. I have the special on DVD. His other standup special from 2002, Runteldat, is also comical and entertaining. It’s not better than You’re So Crazy, but it’s still funny. You see some changes in Martin. He’s more mature and wiser in the Runteldat special.
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is one of those movies I need to watch again. I’ve only seen it once, from start to finish. The great thing about this film is that Martin wore so many hats for this production. It’s something I can identify with because I’ve been in that position but for short films. He directed, co-wrote, starred, and narrated this movie. The budget for the film was $8 million, and it grossed $34 million at the box office. Lynn Whitfield did a great job in the movie. She deserves her flowers and roses someday.
Martin Lawrence is starring in a new film called “Mindcage,” in December 2023. It’s a mystery thriller film. The film marks Lawrence’s first major non-comedic role. That’s something to look forward to, as well as Bad Boys 4 with Will Smith, which the date is still to be determined.