MOVIE
REVIEWS
Just Wright
By Kurt Jensen
Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -- The familiar elements
of both romantic comedy and inspirational sports films are seamlessly
blended in "Just Wright" (Fox Searchlight).
Queen Latifah plays Leslie Wright, a super-competent
physical therapist and hardcore New Jersey Nets fan who has come to
accept - however ruefully -- her status as every guy's nonromantic homegirl.
Her younger, attractive "godsister," Morgan Alexander (Paula
Patton) -- who lives with Leslie and Leslie's parents, Lloyd and Janice
(James Pickens Jr. and Pam Grier) -- has a singular ambition: to become
the wife of a professional basketball player. Morgan is hopelessly shallow,
interested only in status and shopping.
When Leslie has a chance encounter with
New Jersey Nets star Scott McKnight (rapper Common), he finds her confidence
and sunny personality appealing, and invites her to a party at his mansion.
Leslie brings the flirtatious Morgan along; Scott impulsively falls
for Morgan, and almost as quickly, decides to marry her.
This could be just another bitter episode
for Leslie, except that Scott gets a potentially career-ending knee
injury. Morgan finds Scott's fetching blond therapist a threat, so she
asks Leslie to move in and go to work in her stead.
Unwilling to endure possible hardship, Morgan
eventually runs off when it looks as if the Nets won't give Scott a
new contract.
Will Scott's knee recover in time for the
playoffs? Will Leslie's tough love restore the whole man? Will they
bond over their love of classic jazz, and will he finally see that Leslie
is perfect for him? Well, the script has the Nets in the NBA finals,
so those willing to surrender to all the fantasy elements will likely
have a very good time indeed.
Director Sanaa Hamri and screenwriter Michael
Elliot (who wrote the engaging 2002 basketball comedy "Like Mike")
use the lightest of touches to create a warm, likable environment and
convey a message about relationships founded on enduring values.
Probably acceptable for more mature teens,
despite the elements listed below.
The film contains a single use of crude
language and an implied premarital encounter. The Catholic News Service
classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture
Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.
Some material may not be suitable for children.
Jensen is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service. More reviews
are available online at www.catholicnews.com/movies.
Copyright (c) 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops
 |
|