Big Momma's House 2000

In a seedy underground dog-fighting arena hidden beneath the streets of Korea, FBI agent John Maxwell (Paul Giamatti) finds himself at the center of a deadly conspiracy. A ruthless Korean boss orders his execution, but John’s salvation comes in the form of his trusted undercover partner and master of disguise, Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawrence). Just as John is about to meet his maker, a team of FBI agents storms into the arena, sending the criminal underworld into chaos.

Meanwhile, Lester Vesco (Terrence Howard), a notorious fugitive serving life for murder and armed robbery, makes his daring escape from prison by dispatching the doctor and commandeering their vehicle. The authorities assign Malcolm and John to track down this cunning adversary, setting them on a mission to infiltrate the quiet town of Cartersville, Georgia.

Their target is Hattie Mae Pierce (Ella Mitchell), affectionately known as “Big Momma,” the estranged Southern grandmother of Lester’s ex-girlfriend, Sherry Pierce (Nia Long). Sherry had played a pivotal role in Lester’s original bank heist, providing him with the key to the vault. Unbeknownst to Malcolm and John, Big Momma is about to leave town to tend to ailing friends, leaving her house vacant for their covert operations.

As Big Momma departs, Malcolm and John seize the opportunity to snoop around her residence, installing surveillance cameras and tapping phone lines. Their plan hinges on luring Sherry into a trap by disguising themselves as Big Momma. The ruse works seamlessly, with Malcolm’s Big Momma costume convincing even himself.

Sherry arrives at Big Momma’s house with her 10-year-old son, Trent (Jascha Washington), the following day. However, Malcolm’s cooking skills are woefully lacking, and his unusual behavior raises Sherry’s suspicions about Big Momma’s mental state. As Malcolm navigates this precarious situation, he must also contend with Big Momma’s amorous suitor, Ben Rawley (Carl Wright). To add to the chaos, Ritha (Tichina Arnold) goes into labor, and Malcolm finds himself forced to act as a makeshift midwife.

In the midst of this domestic mayhem, Malcolm is further challenged by Nolan (Anthony Anderson), an incompetent security guard who serves as Ritha’s older brother. In a humiliating display of physical prowess, Malcolm effortlessly defeats Nolan in front of their fellow townspeople, showcasing his impressive skillset and cementing his undercover persona as Big Momma.

As the night wears on, Malcolm’s hasty retreat from the safe house is foiled by the sharp-eyed Sherry, who apprehends him on the porch. With the prized suit barely concealed in a nearby bush, Malcolm assumes the guise of a handyman to avoid arousing suspicion. Back at the safe house, Malcolm and John meticulously repair the damage done to the suit, while Malcolm’s absence from town prompts John to conduct a thorough search for any remaining clues related to Lester’s ill-gotten gains. The investigation yields nothing concrete, however.

Meanwhile, Malcolm forges an unlikely bond with Trent when he intervenes on his behalf against two older bullies who were mercilessly taunting him. This act of chivalry earns Malcolm and Trent the admiration of their friend Nolan, as well as a measure of camaraderie that transcends their initial adversarial relationship. As the days pass, Malcolm finds himself growing closer to Sherry and Trent through shared experiences, including a leisurely fishing trip that provides a welcome respite from the tension surrounding them.

Upon his return to the safe house with John, Malcolm is suddenly confronted by Nolan, who has arrived intent on making arrests for the alleged dismemberment of Big Momma. However, Malcolm and John are able to clear their names and persuade Nolan to join forces with them, promising to recommend him for a position in the FBI should he succeed in their mission.

As the group heads to church, where Reverend (Cedric the Entertainer) calls upon Malcolm to share his testimony, Malcolm seizes the opportunity to convey the importance of honesty and openness to Sherry and Trent. Posing as Big Momma, Malcolm attempts to impart these values on his young friends while they return to her home after mass. However, the evening takes an unexpected turn when Malcolm pulls out his gun at Big Momma’s surprise birthday party, only to be confronted by the real Big Momma’s premature return.

As John frantically tries to stall the unsuspecting Big Momma, Malcolm stumbles upon a crucial piece of evidence hidden in Trent’s footlocker – the stolen money that has been the source of their troubles. Sherry is quick to reveal the truth: Lester had been playing her all along, using his charm to woo her and steal her keys before making off with the loot.

As Malcolm ventures outside to secure the reinforcements, John takes the opportunity to discreetly inform Nolan that the authentic Big Momma has returned. Unbeknownst to them, Malcolm finds himself inadvertently locked out of the house by Nolan, who mistakenly believes he is the genuine article. Meanwhile, Lester finally arrives at the residence, having successfully tracked down Sherry, Trent, and the stolen loot. With a smug sense of accomplishment, he attempts to abscond with his quarry, but Sherry’s heartfelt plea for him to bid farewell to Big Momma ultimately proves futile.

Just as Lester is about to exact revenge on Nolan, Malcolm bursts through the window in a valiant effort to thwart the would-be thief. The ensuing chaos ensues as partygoers are left stunned by the sight of not one, but two Big Mommas vying for attention. As the melee unfolds, Lester finds himself shooting John in the right shoulder and inadvertently ripping off Malcolm’s disguise during their intense fistfight. Despite the mayhem, Malcolm ultimately gains the upper hand, subduing Lester and sending him tumbling out the window.

Shaken by the revelation that Malcolm was merely an FBI agent in disguise, Sherry and Trent refuse to even acknowledge his presence. As the authorities apprehend Lester and paramedics rush John to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his right arm, the mood is heavy with disappointment and betrayal.

In the film’s poignant epilogue, Malcolm accompanies Sherry, Trent, and Big Momma to church on Sunday morning. With heartfelt sincerity, Malcolm delivers a moving confession and passionate speech to Sherry and Trent, admitting his deep affection for them. As Big Momma ultimately forgives Malcolm with a warm, embracing hug, the congregation erupts into applause as Malcolm and Sherry share a tender kiss. The trio invites Trent to join in a group hug, and the crowd celebrates as Big Momma and the choir sing “Oh Happy Day” during the film’s closing credits.