Bringing Down the House (film) Peter Sanderson still loves his ex-wife and cannot understand what he did wrong to make her leave him. He is doing his best to move on, becoming smitten with a brainy, bombshell barrister he’s been chatting with online. However, when she comes to the house for their first meeting, he quickly discovers she isn’t refined, isn’t Ivy League, and isn’t even a lawyer. Instead, it’s Charlene, a prison escapee, who proclaims her innocence and wants Peter to help clear her name. Charlene proceeds to turn Peter’s perfectly ordered life upside down, jeopardizing his attempts to get back with his wife and woo a billion-dollar client. A Touchstone film. Directed by Adam Shankman. Released on March 7, 2003. Stars Steve Martin (Peter Sanderson), Queen Latifah (Charlene Morton), Eugene Levy (Howie Rottman), Joan Plowright (Mrs. Arness), Jean Smart (Kate), Kimberly J. Brown (Sarah Sanderson), Angus T. Jones (Georgey Sanderson), Missi Pyle (Ashley), Michael Rosenbaum (Todd Gendler), Betty White (Mrs. Kline). 105 min. Filmed in Super 35-Scope in the Los Angeles area, with Peter’s house located in Pasadena. Released on video in 2003.
