Cast: Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett, Tosha Smith, Valarie Pettiford and Loretta Devine)
Director: Salim Akil
Release Date: May 6, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content and language
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Reviewed by Marisa Ings for Your Entertainment Ticket
After watching this movie I came to the conclusion that one may not want to “jump the broom†anytime soon. Now don’t get me wrong here, the movie Jumping The Broom is great and I recommend you see it with a loved one. However, the drama of the quick union between the couple with such diverse families will give you second thoughts of saying “I do.â€
The romantic comedy goes something like this; Sabrina (Paula Patton) and Jason (Laz Alonso) meet and have a whirlwind romance, but come from two different sides of the track. Sabrina’s family is wealthy with a lovely home in Martha’s Vineyard, while Jason has had to work his way up from working-class Brooklyn. The two however decide on a hasty wedding due to a job offer in China for Sabrina and they have had little time to meet Jason’s family. When Jason’s outspoken mom (Loretta Devine) arrives at the posh estate home of Sabrina’s parents for the wedding weekend she realizes that her thoughts about the ‘upper crust’ have more to do with pie than the in-law’s way of life. With claws exposed, a pre-wedding showdown begins between the mothers leading to a wacky affair.
Jumping the Broom is fun and will have you saying “awe how romanticâ€, laughing, and gasping while thinking ‘oh no she didn’t just say that.’ The last minute wedding mixed with the clash of the classes makes this tale a thrill unlike other movies of this nature. The well-selected cast of actors will make you fall in love with both of these families despite all their faults. In the end, one will be ready to ‘jump the broom’ after allâ€
The best part about this movie is the characters and the actors who portray them. Uncle Willie Earl, played by Mike Epps offers the best comedic timing along with Shonda (Tasha Smith) who is transforming into a cougar with a younger man Sebastian (Romeo Miller) hot on her trail throughout the film. This cast has illustrious chemistry and showcases many characteristics of a true Black American family. One that fusses and argues but in the end differences get set aside and everyone has a magnificent time!
If you are looking for a movie to see that has humor, drama and love all rolled up into one with your family, closest friends, or that special someone, go see Jumping The Broom. And what better time to go than Mother’s Day, and you’ll thank me for that.
This review gets an A- for the realistic portrayal of the characters and unexpected surprises.