I want to begin by chiding a couple of our reviewers. On the one hand, a couple of our reviewers seem to think that if a movie isn't dripping with alleluias, then it isn't telling a moral story. Others seem to think that any hint of morality makes it not a popular movie. Well, both groups of people are off base. This is a good, moral tale which represents people similar to some that I know. They're not perfect people, but they are people searching for a meaningful life and meaningful relationships. I am primarily a Buddhist, but if everyone I knew tried to live their lives as the main characters in this film, we'd be living in a better world. So if you are running away from this film because you think it may be too religious, don't; it's an excellent drama.
I'm a big Morris Chestnut fan. I think he's very underrated as an actor, and I think this film really allows him to demonstrate his dramatic abilities which he successfully underplays here. It's perfect.
This was also a good role for Taraji P. Henson, as Chestnut's wife, and also we get a little taste of "Cookie", she also shows some class here in some more quiet moments. She does a very nice job here.
Maeve Quinlan is excellent as a grief-stricken mother and the almost-third wheel in the Chestnut-Henson marriage. Particularly toward the end of the film, she is very strong here.
Kevin Hart before we really knew Kevin Hart. Shows potential here that was later realized. Eddie Cibrian plays another "buddy", and does nicely.
My only real criticism here is the role played by Jenifer Lewis as Henson's mother. She beginning to get typecast in this same role...if you watch "Blackish", you'll know what I mean. She great at it, but I'd like to see her do other things, as well.
The story is, in my view, fairly realistic and even a bit underplayed. That's to its credit. Yes, it has a moralistic tone to it, but it doesn't hit you over the head in a preachy way.
I rarely give an "8", but this film deserved it.
I'm a big Morris Chestnut fan. I think he's very underrated as an actor, and I think this film really allows him to demonstrate his dramatic abilities which he successfully underplays here. It's perfect.
This was also a good role for Taraji P. Henson, as Chestnut's wife, and also we get a little taste of "Cookie", she also shows some class here in some more quiet moments. She does a very nice job here.
Maeve Quinlan is excellent as a grief-stricken mother and the almost-third wheel in the Chestnut-Henson marriage. Particularly toward the end of the film, she is very strong here.
Kevin Hart before we really knew Kevin Hart. Shows potential here that was later realized. Eddie Cibrian plays another "buddy", and does nicely.
My only real criticism here is the role played by Jenifer Lewis as Henson's mother. She beginning to get typecast in this same role...if you watch "Blackish", you'll know what I mean. She great at it, but I'd like to see her do other things, as well.
The story is, in my view, fairly realistic and even a bit underplayed. That's to its credit. Yes, it has a moralistic tone to it, but it doesn't hit you over the head in a preachy way.
I rarely give an "8", but this film deserved it.