“ROMANCE AND BASKETBALL”
Starring: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashad, Pam Grier, and James Pickens, Jr.
Directed by: Sanaa Hamri
MPAA Rating: PG for some suggestive material and brief language.
Genre: Comedy Romance Sports
Release date: May 14, 2010
By John Delia
Ladies, if you are looking for romance with a touch of sports so you can get that significant other out to the movies, check out Queen Latifah’s newest flick Just Wright. With this film, even men who shy away from a film that even hints chick flick will enjoy the fun filled story and a close look at the world of basketball.
The movie centers on Leslie Wright (Latifah) who hasn’t had a meaningful date in a very long time. Her roommate and childhood friend Morgan (Paula Patton) on the other hand has what it takes to corner any man. But, Morgan doesn’t just want any man; she wants a prime basketball player to latch onto for security and future happiness. Leslie takes her sports serious and bleeds the colors of the New Jersey Nets so with Morgan they attend every game, but for different reasons.
On a fateful night following a Nets game, Leslie happens to meet star Nets player Scott McKnight (Common) at a gas station where due to her helpfulness gets invited to his birthday party. On the night of the party Morgan gets the best of the goodies, an interest by Scott that could lead to a commitment but leaves Leslie out in the cold. The ‘sports gods’ have other plans however, and the future of the trio of relationships starts to change for both Leslie and Morgan.
The film has a lot going for it including two energetic leads and wonderful support from a gorgeous Paula Patton. Paula makes the film work with her ability to show her character’s highflying ego and conniving ways. Latifah shines as the physical therapist that’s in the right place at the right time. Her character is so believable that touching can only be the word to describe the performance coming off the screen. Common, who cut his acting teeth with films like Smokin Aces really looks good as a Net player and should wow the single girls attending his film.
Direction by Sanaa Hamri is pretty much good all around. Her use of actual Miami Heat and other teams members helps with the male audience as the realistic games tends to get real heated. I was pleasantly surprised to see Common mixing it up with the likes of Dwayne Wade.
The film is rated PG for some suggestive material and brief language. This isn’t one of those romance flicks that depends on nudity or sex to get an audience.
FINAL ANALYSIS: One of the Queen’s most touching performances. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)