Martin Lawrence Live - Runteldat (2002)

39% of critics liked it
(57 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(103 ratings)

The no-holds-barred documentary-style footage -- spiced with rousing rap music, Martin Lawrence's own razor-sharp commentary and a glimpse of both his triumphs and setbacks -- is only the beginning. Next comes the blackout stage with only the Runteldat logo illuminated in the background and the… More The no-holds-barred documentary-style footage -- spiced with rousing rap music, Martin Lawrence's own razor-sharp commentary and a glimpse of both his triumphs and setbacks -- is only the beginning. Next comes the blackout stage with only the Runteldat logo illuminated in the background and the sound of thousands of adoring fans shrieking and clapping in delight. And finally, as the anticipation mounts to a near-frenzied peak, the announcer booms: "Ladies and Gentleman....Martin Lawrence!"A spotlight hits center stage where the man of the hour stands behind a screen surrounded by smoke. Slowly, the proverbial fog lifts to reveal Lawrence, who descends down a flight of stairs as he waves victory/peace signs...and then he flashes that devilish grin that has "Get ready for a wild ride" written all over it. Yes, the controversial bad-boy of comedy definitely delivers a piercing look at his life, lifting the metaphorical smokescreen that he feels has clouded the public view, commenting on everything from the dangers of smoking to the trials of relationships, and unleashing a nonstop litany of raucous anecdotes, stinging social commentary and very personal reflections about life. -- © 2002 Paramount Pictures

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: David Raynr
Written By: Martin Lawrence
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 2, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Jan 7, 2003
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
Richard Pryor mined his personal horrors and came up with a treasure chest of material, but Lawrence gives us mostly fool's gold.
Joe Leydon, Variety
Ranges from laugh-out-loud hilarious to wonder-what- time-it-is tedious.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
An odd amalgam of kitschy, transparently manipulative sentiment, provocative subject matter, off-kilter perspective and some truly funny physical humor.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
You either find his jokes funny or you don't. But no one can mistake the ferocious energy of a performer for whom making people laugh has been not just a gift but a matter of survival.
Daphne Gordon, Toronto Star
He's just so damn likeable, you can't help but laugh, even when his language is littered with four-letter words and his stories draw up images you might later wish you'd never imagined.
Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
A movie that is not only achingly funny but also full of serious and philosophical truisms.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
The comedy here is for adults only.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
In English, means Run Tell That.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Click to read review
Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
The bad boy Martin Lawrence that is the box office draw is much funnier than the toned down version seen in this film.
Adam Nayman, eye WEEKLY
Comes off as a long, laborious whine, the bellyaching of a paranoid and unlikable man.
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
Lawrence should stick to his day job. He's a better actor than a standup comedian.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
Very little of the material is revelatory or digs very deeply into Lawrence's troubles.
Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
And if you appreciate the one-sided theme to Lawrence's over-indulgent tirade, then knock yourself out and enjoy the big screen postcard that is a self-glorified Martin Lawrence lovefest. If you are willing to do this, then you so crazy!
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
In his role of observer of the scene, Lawrence sounds whiny and defensive, as if his life-altering experiences made him bitter and less mature.
Robert Wilonsky, New Times
This overlong infomercial, due out on video before month's end, is tepid and tedious.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
I have to admit I walked out of Runteldat. I did go back and check out the last 10 minutes, but these were more repulsive than the first 30 or 40 minutes.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Cast

Martin Lawrence

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