Wanda Sykes brings bluntness, precise timing and a recognisable voice to supporting comedy. We enjoy her most when she can challenge somebody else's nonsense, though films too often give her a sharp reply instead of a substantial part.
Fi1m perspective
Wanda Sykes often gets the reply that cuts through somebody else's nonsense. Her blunt delivery suits the wisecracking friend or assistant, and we like how little fuss she makes about being unimpressed. The trouble comes when a film asks her to keep doing that and gives the character nothing else.
Her writing and performing on The Chris Rock Show (1997) preceded the mid-2000s run of supporting roles and animated features. As Ruby in Monster-in-Law (2005), alongside Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez, she had a live-action part suited to her comic timing. Animation offered another use for a voice with an immediately recognisable personality.
Over the Hedge (2006) casts her as Stella among a busy group of animals. We enjoyed hearing the different speeds of the performances, especially Bruce Willis's assurance as RJ against Steve Carell's more conspicuous energy as Hammy. Sykes adds her own distinct voice, but the crowded cast leaves some characters with less room than they deserve. The suburban satire is sharper than the familiar family lesson, and the brisk pace helps the predictable story. We recommend it as an ensemble comedy, with fair warning that Stella has plenty of competition for attention.
Carlos Saldanha's Rio (2011) gives her another supporting voice role as Chloe. The colourful animation and lively performances make it an agreeable family diversion, though the familiar story and uneven songs limit the pleasure. Jemaine Clement's Nigel, a pleasingly unpleasant villain, is the stronger reason to seek it out. There is no need to pretend that either film belongs to Sykes to value her contribution. Both are good enough for an evening, but we would look elsewhere for a fuller sense of what she can do.
Television offers that possibility. Alongside Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sykes is a recurring foil in improvised comedy. The Upshaws (2021), which she co-created, gives her a starring role as Lucretia. For more of Sykes, start with her television work rather than another crowded animal cast.
Biography
Wanda Sykes is an American stand-up comedian, actress and writer. She was born on 7 March 1964 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Sykes first gained recognition as a writer on The Chris Rock Show, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999. She is known for her recurring role as Barb Baran in The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2010) and appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her voice credits include Chloe/Goose in Rio (2011), Granny in the Ice Age films (2012, 2016) and Stella in Over the Hedge (2006). She also created and hosted The Wanda Sykes Show (2009–2010).
