Toback captures the problematic, syncopated dynamics of this crossover with his story involving a creepy white cop who bribes a pro basketball player to throw a game, then uses the player to nail a rapper-gangbanger. Swept up in this tale is a multicultural slew of characters played by a fascinatingly variegated cast, including teen diva Bijou Phillips, members of Wu-Tang Clan, supermodel Claudia Schiffer, New York Knicks star Allan Houston and ex-champ Mike Tyson. These icons hold their own with the pro actors, among them a nose-ringed Brooke Shields as a documentary filmmaker, Robert Downey Jr. as her gay husband and Ben Stiller as the creepy cop. Many scenes are improvised, notably one in which Downey makes a pass at Tyson (playing himself), who wasn’t told what was going to happen. The astounded Tyson promptly uncorks a scary shot to the face. It may be the realest punch in movie history.
Black and WhiteColumbia Opens April 5
