Main Cast
Larenz Tate as Darius Lovehall
Nia Long as Nina Mosley
Isaiah Washington as Savon Garrison
Lisa Nicole Carson as Josie Nichols
Bill Bellamy as Hollywood
Leonard Roberts as Eddie Coles
Bernadette L. Clarke as Sheila Downes
Khalil Kain as Marvin Cox
Is instant chemistry enough? Can love at first sight evolve into something stronger with the passage of time, or will egos, pride and jackassery conspire to erode its very foundation? These questions are explored by the romantic drama/comedy Love Jones.
I know. I can’t believe I wrote the previous paragraph either. But this movie, with the settings of key elements inside a spoken word night club, became an instant classic among the African American community. It also contributed to a revival of the popularity of spoken word and poetry. And since poetry was my first love when it comes to writing, it’s only fitting that I was sucked in.
Though the romantic drama is not one of my preferred genres, Love Jones is rich with life and has engrossing intangibles. It involves a chance encounter at a poetry night club between poet and aspiring author Darius Lovehall, and talented photographer, Nina Mosley. Their spontaneous encounter inspired Darius to make a jackass of himself on stage by dedicating one of the cheesiest poems in history to her.
Darius pursues Nina relentlessly for the next few days, with Nina playing up the coy, hard-to-get angle. Eventually, Darius’ persistence pays off in a first date that eventually leads them to a bedroom and unexpected emotional entanglements. As the couple try to come to terms with these unexpected emotions coupled with a white-hot sexual tension, they both endure a personal struggle to keep their feelings within a context that is comfortable to them (also known as “saving face”). The budding bonds of their relationship are further challenged by old flames, peer pressure, and even the petty jealousy of one false friend.
The overall mood of this film, from the soft, jazz, rhythm, and blues score, to the mellow lighting, is supple and subtle, with a hint of melancholy and longing. Even the acting is mellow and dynamic. Nothing felt forced in the interaction. It really seemed as if I was just watching a bunch of friends hang out at their favorite spot, enjoying each other’s company, or arguing bitterly, depending on where I was in the plot. I found myself wishing I were a part of their friendship circle (Though, as my ex-girlfriend pointed out, “We only see these people at the club, throwing parties, or shooting pool! Don’t these people have jobs?”)
The subplots are also interesting, though not expanded on as much as I would have liked. There is Darius’ friend Savon Garrison and his midlife crisis and growing estrangement from his wife. There is also Darius’ courteous, but often antagonistic relationship with the “player-hater” Hollywood. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Darius and Hollywood because in most movies it’s rare to find an acrimonious relationship between black men that isn’t exceedingly violent. I guess I’m just glad no one got shot. Also, I can’t recall a character I loathed more in a film than Hollywood. I hated him so much that I loved him. Much respect to Bill Bellamy for playing such a smarmy, petty, back-stabbing cat. .
Overall, the only fault I can find with Love Jones is also its most endearing quality. It’s such an organic, free-flowing slice of reality that some of the emotions evoked from it hit a bit too close to home. That feeling of love at first sight that excites you and compels you to make a jackass out of yourself, the quivers of jealousy that run up the spine as an old flame you haven’t gotten over arrives at a party on the arm of a new love, the deflated sense that you squandered your last chance with that true love as her train leaves town, all are represented here. This is a chick flick, but it’s one that even a guy can become emotionally vested in, and that makes it a very dangerous film for a “tough guy” to watch.
Fortunately, I’m rather soft and squishy.
Story: A
Acting: A
Visuals: A
Originality/Innovation: A
Enjoyability Grade: A
Date Material: A+
Contemporary Element (Will it be watchable two decades from now?): A-
Overall Grade: A
***
Blind Eye Turning: Poems, Prose, and other Scribbles, by Barry Dawson
Buy it at www.lulu.com
