White Chicks is a cult classic but in recent times, some elements in the film have been termed as offensive and politically incorrect. The 2004 comedy film follows two undercover FBI agents who cross-dress and wear white make-up in order to look like two white wealthy sisters that are being pursued by a kidnapper.
Despite being lambasted by critics, the movie was adored by fans at the time of its release. It went on to gross $113 million at the box office. A sequel is also rumored to be in development. Here's an analysis of things that did (and didn't) age well about White Chicks.
Aged Well: Terry Crews' Performance
Terry Crews has had plenty of comedy roles in his career but the most memorable ones came in Everybody Hates Chris and White Chicks. In the latter, the most memorable scenes were those that focussed on his character Latrell Spencer.
The scene where he steps on the dancefloor, shirtless, and high, is hard to erase from memory. There is also the scene where he sings "A Thousand Miles" to Marcus/Tiffany while conjuring all sorts of hilarious facial expressions. The actor simply gives one of the best comedic performances of all time in this movie.
Aged Poorly: Use Of Whiteface
In the 2000s and 90s, the use of "Whiteface" and "Blackface" in comedy was considered normal. However, times seem to have changed and this is no longer seen as acceptable. Jimmy Fallon even had to apologize recently for an SNL comedy skit where he used "Blackface" while impersonating Chris Rock.
White Chicks was guilty of using "Whiteface." In the movie, two African-American FBI agents dress themselves up as white twins in order to stop a major kidnapping threat. While it was funny at the time, it's unlikely that any director would go this direction in the current climate.
Aged Well: One-Liners
Part of the reason why the movie became a cult classic was the inclusion of senseless but maddeningly quotable one-liners. Characters say things like “Ex-squeeze me?” instead of "Excuse me," and "Look who just flew in from the slums of Beverly Hills."
There's also, "Your mother's so stupid she exercises when she could just get, like, liposuction or something!" The movie is basically a quote-fest. Jokes that stick to the minds of viewers are executed beautifully at almost every minute.
Aged Poorly: Date Drugging
The millionaire athlete Latrell (Terry Crews) just so happens to be madly in love with Marcus/Tiffany. After winning a date with her, he takes her to the La Bella restaurant. He then attempts to drug her and there goes the problem. Drugging a date doesn't look good in any way.
Latrell accidentally drinks the cocktail he had intended to give Marcus/Tiffany and he ends up becoming extra-high. This leads to him sweating profusely and doing hilarious dance moves. It's funny but the viewer's smile is erased by Latrell's earlier actions.
Aged Well: Slapstick Comedy Scenes
White Chicks has plenty of ridiculous slapstick moments. Kevin's face going flat against a glass, Marcus literally painting his whole face with food in an attempt to showcase his poor table manners, extremely loud farts... it's all in there in heavy doses.
The movie goes overboard with its non-verbal comedy but luckily, everything plays out in the hilarious "did they just do that?" manner rather than the disturbing "that's so offensive" manner.
Aged Poorly: Objectification Of Women
The fact that Latrell wins a date with Marcus/Tiffany during the Vandergelds' annual charity auction party is problematic too. In a normal scenario, he'd ask on a date and she'd say yes or no. However, on this occasion, she has no choice.
Women being auctioned doesn't look good. Even though it isn't actually Tiffany that Latrell is on a date with, the discomfort of Marcus during the whole scene says it all. He even resorts to doing all sorts of absurd things in order to turn off Latrell.
Aged Well: Stepping In Different Shoes
The movie did a good job of showing how it feels like to be a person of another class, race, and gender. The Copeland brothers got to see just how good life can be when you are the socialite daughter of a CEO. They also got to experience the struggle that women face on a daily basis.
Kevin also got to know how it feels like to drive an expensive house and live in a mansion when he impersonated Latrell. It's all about trying to fit in other people's shoes and learning about the lives and experiences of others.
Aged Poorly: Gender Stereotypes
White Chicks is packed with gender stereotypes that are targeted towards women. Most of the women that the FBI brothers interact with are specifically given the "dumb blonde" and "jealous" stereotypes.
The women also talk about shopping, getting plastic surgery, and sing to hit songs while riding in convertibles. To add to that, there are a couple of scenes where the main characters struggle to fit into clothes as a form of empathy towards the fashion struggles of women. Basically, no stereotype is left unused in this movie.
Aged Well: Romance
The elements of romance in the movie are brilliantly executed. While Latrell tries to use his wealth and power to woo Marcu/Tiffany, Kevin pretends to be Latrell in order to woo Denise. Apparently, Denise only likes successful men and Kevin is nowhere near that.
The lengths that Kevin goes to impress her make audiences appreciate the efforts people make to be with those that steal their hearts. Kevin almost gets mauled by Latrell's dog because he doesn't know to control it.
Aged Poorly: Cliche "Kidnapping" Plot
White Chicks might be funny but the plot left little to be desired. Hollywood has churned out hundreds of movies about cops trying to stop a kidnapping. As a result, it's hard for any movie-going this direction to leave a lasting impression.
Earlier on, there was a drug plot too, which has also been overused. It's much easier to remember the movie's hilarious moments than what the plot was really about.