"Jumping The Broom" has a daunting task: tell a believable, funny story about a wedding while weaving in six different subplots involving a large ensemble cast. I was pleasantly surprised how well director Salim Akil pulled it off. Is "JTB" believable? For the most part, yes. (However, the film's big secret is one I don't believe could have remained secret for so long). Is "JTB" funny? YES! I give Mike Epps and Loretta Devine kudos for not overacting and still delivering great comic moments. And thank you to the screenwriters for NOT filling a Black film with lots of slapstick. I was impressed how 14 actors/actresses received their fair share of screen time. (Though a little of Romeo's acting goes a long way.) And I must add that this is a good-looking cast! Angela Bassett (sigh!) leads a list of beautiful ladies. Laz Alonzo, Romeo and Gary Dourdan provide lots of muscles and six-pack abs (yes, I was a little jealous). And for those concerned that this movie is 'religious' because T.D. Jakes helped produce it--don't worry. The only overt Christianity in the movie involves a promise that Sabrina (Paula Patton) makes to God. While "JTB" risks going into soap opera mode a few times, the characters talked and behaved (for better or worse) like real people. Watch for a powerful scene with Mr. and Mrs. Watson that needs no dialogue. While the overall arc of the film might not surprise you, how the script gets there is a pleasant journey. So when it comes to recommending "Jumping The Broom", I happily answer: "I do."
Review of Jumping the Broom
