JUSTIN MATLOCK reviews WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS (12A).

I'M sure Martin Lawrence is a funny man when he tries - he kind of proved that in the Bad Boys movies - but my word, he couldn't pick a decent film role if his life depended on it.

Whether it's Big Momma's House or Wild Hogs, Lawrence has staked a claim for ruler of second-rate comedy land and his latest, WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS (12A), is more of the same.

Here he plays a successful TV talk show host who returns to home after nine years for his parents' 50th wedding anniversary - and to show off his new bride-to be, the ruthless winner of a TV reality show.

Added into the mix are the usual issues with his clan - particularly an over-achieving cousin (Cedric the Entertainer) who can do no wrong in his family's eyes - and naturally there's a kind-hearted old flame to deal with.

It's all so obvious you wonder why they bothered - and some of the actors don't, putting in little more than what's required to pick up the pay check.

The script is all over the pace - ranging from the kid-friendly fart gags to crude sex jokes - while the characters never come off as anything more than horrible stereotypes.

Lawrence at least tries hard to make the film work but his funny facial expressions and slapstick fail to raise a laugh while his moments of emotion never once convince. - JUSTIN MATLOCK