Forget the much-hyped opening to the new Austin Powers -- the first five or so minutes of Martin Lawrence's stand-up comedy film is the most hilarious thing you'll see all summer. It's here, before Lawrence takes the stage, that we're privileged to watch a retrospective, set to sappy music, of his life, his career, and his -- get ready to empathize -- troubles with the tabloids. Interspersed throughout are words of wisdom ("No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life") spoken in the heaviest of tones. And then, just when you think you can't laugh any harder, director David Raynr goes for plodding symbolism with footage of Lawrence . . . underwater.

The comic eventually comes up for air and delivers a raunchy, often reflective set that never rises above middling stand-up. Indeed, the only thing that sets him apart from countless other comics across the country is that he has the money to executive-produce a film dedicated to telling us how important he is. Funny stuff. At the Hoyts Providence 16 and Showcase (Seekonk 1-10 only).