I’ve been waiting for this movie since the director Malcolm D. Lee announced that it was a go two years ago. I recently received passes to an advanced screening of the movie (as part of Universal’s Girls Night Out) so I could give my thoughts before it opens nationwide on November 15. As you can tell by the title, I am very, very impressed by this movie! Let’s get into the reasons why:
1. The cast has matured as actors.
I enjoyed every.single.performance from them. I didn’t like Quentin (Terrence Howard) in the first one and felt he was kind of out of place, but even he shone in this role, providing the comic relief the film needed in parts. Since this was their second go-round as a cast, the film felt like a group of friends reuniting for the holidays, versus a movie of a group of friends reuniting for the holidays. Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut gave their all into their roles and there were quite a few moments where I wanted to reach into the film and give each of them a “It’s okay, Mama’s here” type of hug. Whew!
2. Meatier storylines made for a meatier film.
In the first film, the primary storyline was the wedding of Lance Sullivan and his bride-to-be Mia Morgan. But in the sequel? We’ve got issues every where you look: simmering resentment over infidelity, infertility, bankruptcy woes, and your past coming back to haunt you. These are clearly grown-ups who are dealing with grown-up issues. But throughout it all, there was a level of humor to the film that wasn’t always present in the first one. And the “Can You Stand the Rain” dance for the ladies? They had me swooning.
3. Love was a main character.
So.much.love between all the characters, even when they aren’t being so lovable. The friendships in this film were some of the most skillfully crafted friendships I’ve ever seen on screen. Case in point: In one scene at the end of the movie, Harper (Taye Diggs) comforts Lance (Morris Chestnut) in a way that only best friends can. The movie’s main message seemed to be: If you are lucky enough to have people in your life who love you, who support you, who go out of their way to help, you are blessed and you shouldn’t ever take it for granted.
4. Emotions are heightened.
I was an emotional mess when the credits rolled at the end. Just…that’s all I’m going to say. Bring tissues.
BONUS! 5. This scene right here.
Maybe because it’s been 13 years I forgot, but did we get eye candy like this from the original? Yes, Lawd.
All in all, this movie stands on its own. It’s a sequel, yes, but the cast carries this movie with its warmth and familiarity. Go see it when it hits theaters near you November 15 and tell me what you thought! Take a friend (or two or three) with you. Make it a date night. Take your family. You really can’t go wrong with whoever you pick—just go, go, go!