Chris Rock is not one to mince words -- asked about Barack Obama in a recent issue of Details, Rock offered that "being the first black anything sucks" -- which is probably why in a new interview with the New York Times' Dave Itzkoff, the actor stated that "Grown Ups" is a superior movie to "The Artist."
Despite calling "The Artist" "great," Rock noted that the film wasn't what audiences want. "['Grown Ups' is] better than The Artist' 'cause the audience says so," he said. "No film critic's going to say it, but 'Madagascar 3' is better than 'The Artist,' and it's better because it makes people feel better. That’s ultimately what it boils down to."
To that end, there may be some semblance of truth to Rock's words. "Grown Ups" grossed $271 million at the worldwide box office, while "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" -- which features Rock's voice -- has earned over $500 million globally since its release in May. By comparison, "The Artist" grossed only $133 million around the globe. Considering the 2011 Best Picture winner is both silent and in black and white, however, that number is quite significant.
For his part, Rock is currently co-starring in the indie film "2 Days In New York" with Julie Delpy. Unfortunately, using Rock's box office metrics, it seems that no matter how good his new film is, it won't be as good as "The Artist."
For more on Rock, head over the Times website for the rest of the Q&A.
[via NYT]
Uggie Around Town
(01 of38)
Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' puts his paw into cement as he is honored with a hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
(02 of38)
Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' is honored at his hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
(03 of38)
Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' puts his feet in cement as he is honored with a hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
(04 of38)
Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' holds up his paw after pressing it into cement as he is honored with a hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
(05 of38)
A videographer gets a shot of Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' as he arrives on the red carpet for his hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
(06 of38)
Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Artist,' poses on the red carpet at his hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie's retirement from acting. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
Uggie, the dog from the film "The Artist"(07 of38)
Uggie, the dog from the film 'The Artist' and his understudy Dash (R) ham it up for photographers as they arrives for the first annual Golden Collar Awards, February 13, 2012 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, California. The Golden Collar Awards celebrates "Best Achievement in Acting" by Hollywood's canine actors in five different categories. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie, the dog from the film "The Artist"(08 of38)
Uggie, the dog from the film 'The Artist' and his understudy Dash (R) ham it up for photographers as they arrives for the first annual Golden Collar Awards, February 13, 2012 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, California. The Golden Collar Awards celebrates "Best Achievement in Acting" by Hollywood's canine actors in five different categories. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Owner Omar von Muller with his dog Uggie(09 of38)
Owner Omar von Muller with his dog Uggie, from the film, 'The Artist,' accept the award for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film at the first annual Golden Collar Awards, February 13, 2012 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, California. The Golden Collar Awards celebrates (credit:Getty)
Uggie, the dog from the film "The Artist"(10 of38)
Uggie, the dog from the film 'The Artist', arrives at the first annual Golden Collar Awards, February 13, 2012 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, California. The Golden Collar Awards celebrates "Best Achievement in Acting" by Hollywood's canine actors in five different categories. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie, the dog from the film "The Artist"(11 of38)
Uggie, the dog from the film 'The Artist', arrives at the first annual Golden Collar Awards, February 13, 2012 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, California. The Golden Collar Awards celebrates "Best Achievement in Acting" by Hollywood's canine actors in five different categories. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inaugural Presentation Of The LA City Council's "Made In Hollywood" Commendation Presented To "The Artist"(12 of38)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Director Michel Hazanavicius, actors Jean Dujardin, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller and Uggie the dog attend the Inaugural presentation of the Los Angeles City Council's 'Made in Hollywood' commendation presented to the cast of 'The Artist' at Red Studios on January 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inaugural Presentation Of The LA City Council's "Made In Hollywood" Commendation Presented To "The Artist"(13 of38)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Uggie the dog and actress Missi Pyle attend the Inaugural presentation of the Los Angeles City Council's 'Made in Hollywood' commendation presented to the cast of 'The Artist' at Red Studios on January 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inaugural Presentation Of The LA City Council's "Made In Hollywood" Commendation Presented To "The Artist"(14 of38)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Actors Jean Dujardin, Uggie the dog and Penelope Ann Miller attend the Inaugural presentation of the Los Angeles City Council's 'Made in Hollywood' commendation presented to the cast of 'The Artist' at Red Studios on January 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inaugural Presentation Of The LA City Council's "Made In Hollywood" Commendation Presented To "The Artist"(15 of38)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Actors Jean Dujardin, Uggie the dog and Penelope Ann Miller attend the Inaugural presentation of the Los Angeles City Council's 'Made in Hollywood' commendation presented to the cast of 'The Artist' at Red Studios on January 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Inaugural Presentation Of The LA City Council's "Made In Hollywood" Commendation Presented To "The Artist"(16 of38)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Actor Jean Dujardin and Uggie the dog attend the Inaugural presentation of the Los Angeles City Council's 'Made in Hollywood' commendation presented to the cast of 'The Artist' at Red Studios on January 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie the dog sits up at a ceremony honoring "The Artist"(17 of38)
Uggie the dog sits up at a ceremony honoring the cast and crew of 'The Artist' with the "Made In Hollywood" honor, January 31, 2012 at RED Studios in Hollywood, California. Parts of 'The Artist' were filmed at RED Studios. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie the dog sits to the side(18 of38)
Uggie the dog sits to the side as director Michel Hazanavicius (L) and actors Jean Dujardin (C) and Missi Pyle (R) attend a ceremony honoring the cast and crew of 'The Artist' with the "Made In Hollywood" honor, January 31, 2012 at RED Studios in Hollywood, California. Parts of 'The Artist' were filmed at RED Studios. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie the dog yawns as he sits in front of Jean Dujardin(19 of38)
Uggie the dog yawns as he sits in front of actor Jean Dujardin at a ceremony honoring the cast and crew of 'The Artist' with the "Made In Hollywood" honor, January 31, 2012 at RED Studios in Hollywood, California. Parts of 'The Artist' were filmed at RED Studios. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Actor Jean Dujardin (R) gets a kiss from Uggie(20 of38)
Actor Jean Dujardin (R) gets a kiss from Uggie the dog, held by actress Missi Pyle, at a ceremony honoring the cast and crew of 'The Artist' with the "Made In Hollywood" honor, January 31, 2012 at RED Studios in Hollywood, California. Parts of 'The Artist' were filmed at RED Studios. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(21 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building with his trainer Omar von Muller on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(22 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(23 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building with his trainer Omar von Muller on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(24 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building with his trainer Omar von Muller on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(25 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building with his trainer Omar von Muller on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(26 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie Visits The Empire State Building(27 of38)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, visits The Empire State Building on January 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party - Arrivals(28 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Uggie from The Artist arrives at The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party - Arrivals(29 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Actor James Cromwell and Uggie arrive at The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room(30 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Producer Thomas Langmann, actress Missi Pyle, Uggie the Dog, actor Jean Dujardin, and director Michel Hazanaviciu pose in the press room with the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy award for 'The Artist' at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room(31 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Uggie the Dog from 'The Artist' poses in the press room at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room(32 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Uggie the Dog from 'The Artist' poses in the press room at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room(33 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Uggie the Dog from 'The Artist' poses in the press room at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals(34 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Uggie the Dog from 'The Artist' arrives at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Screening Of The Weinstein Company's "The Artist" - Red Carpet(35 of38)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Uggie the dog arrives to a special screening of The Weinstein Company's 'The Artist' at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 21, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Uggie At AFI Fest(36 of38)
(Files) Picture taken on November 8, 2011 shows dog 'Uggie' on arrival for the Gala screening of 'The Artist', it is co- starring, during AFI Fest 2001 in southern California. The trick-performing terrier, who saves his master's life in the black and white film which won three Golden Globes and is hoping for Oscars glory, was nominated Wednesday for a newly-minted Golden Collar award from Dog News Daily. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
AFI FEST 2011 Presented By Audi - "The Artist" Special Screening - Red Carpet(37 of38)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Uggie the dog arrives at 'The Artist' Special Screening during AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi on November 8, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI) (credit:Getty)
AFI FEST 2011 Presented By Audi - "The Artist" Special Screening - Arrivals(38 of38)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Uggie the dog arrives at 'The Artist' Special Screening during AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi on November 8, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for AFI) (credit:Getty)
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.