Big Momma's House

An undercover FBI agent is assigned to Georgia to protect a stylish single mother and her son from an escaped criminal. To stay hidden, he disguises himself as a rowdy Southern grandmother named Big Momma. The unlikely performance turns small towns upside down, as misdirection, mistaken intentions, and a flood of surface humor collide with the undercover mission. Beneath the comedy, the story weighs loyalty, responsibility, and the awkward clash between a disciplined agent and a warm hearted but stubborn family in need of protection. Sherry Pierce is wary but capable, and Trent Pierce keeps morale high with humor and honesty, creating a makeshift shelter around a threat. The film cycles through gags and tender moments that anchor the farce.

Directed by Raja Gosnell, the film is built from an original screenplay by Don Rhymer and Darryl Quarles. It arrived in 2000 as a broad crowd-pleasing comedy, pairing rapid fire physical bits with warm hearted character moments and easy going flair. Gosnell keeps the pace brisk and the visuals clean, letting Lawrence's performance carry the humor.

Worldwide gross reached $173,959,438 against a production budget of about $30 million, marking a solid commercial return and highlighting the film's broad appeal across families and mainstream moviegoers alike.

Big Momma's House left a clear imprint on popular culture, largely through Martin Lawrence's playful performances as an unlikely guardian. The disguises and rapid-fire farce became go-to tropes for broad comedy at the turn of the century. It also highlighted Lawrence's physical comedy and warmth.

Critics greeted the movie as brisk and disposable entertainment with plenty of laughs, though some felt the humor leaned on broad stereotypes. Its themes center on protection, family bonds, and the tension between professional duty and personal connection. Audiences found it light and entertaining, delivering laughs without getting bogged down.