Other than those crappy GROWN-UPS films and as the voice of a zebra in the MADAGASCAR films we haven't seen much of Chris Rock in theatrical releases, with his last stand up special airing in 2009. His most recent effort, TOP FIVE, which he both wrote and directed in, seems like part comeback/part biographical tale for the actor/comedian and the first trailer for the film sets up a familiar, yet engaging premise. The film co-stars Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart, and Gabrielle Union and is chock full of guest stars, including Adam Sandler (duh), Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Tracy Morgan, Cedric The Entertainer, and J.B. Smoove.
Take a look:
Here's the synopsis:
A comedian tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fiancé talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show.
Chris Rock has had an odd career. He seemed to jump back and forth with the prospect of being an actor/comedian in the vein of Eddie Murphy, never really venturing into the serious actor parts like fellow comedians Jim Carrey or Steve Carrell, and has continued to dabble in stand up, while doing passion projects like documentaries and TV shows like Everybody Hates Chris. He pops up in someone else's show from time to time, but other than that has been fairly inconsistent. TOP FIVE garnered some good critical acclaim at TIFF this year (read our review here), which leads me to believe he may be making another go at the acting gig, but I wouldn't put any money on it. Regardless, TOP FIVE certainly looks to have some charm (with more than a few nods to his real-life exploits) and may well be a surprise hit for Rock.
TOP FIVE hits theaters on December 12, 2014.