Review of About Last Night (2014) by Michael D — 12 Mar 2014

Judd: Starring Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant, About Last Night is a remake of 1987's film of the same name. Being an adaptation of David Mamet's Sexual Perversity in Chicago, I knew I wasn't going to have to worry about a strong script, however I was worried about the Boy Wins Girl/Boy Loses Girl story. I was pleasantly surprised that the plotline was delivered without too much drama, and while certainly not "fresh" by any means, the comedy aspect kept the maudlin longing palatable. Relatively new director Steve Pink, only known for Hot Tub Time Machine and TV's Children's Hospital, keeps the movie's pace at a quick clip best suited for Kevin Hart's manic ranting.

While Danny and Debbie, Ealy and Bryant, carry the meat of the story, Bernie and Joan, Hart and Hall, are the two that carry the movie as the sex-crazed, love-and-hate couple. Sure, they were the comedic fodder, and those are easy roles to play, but Pink kept Hart restrained and Regina Hall is amazing in everything. Ealy and Bryant, on the other hand, were too wooden to be believably in love. The first half of the movie they treat their relationship as a casual fling, but when they switch gears - after she moves in - there's not much that changed to make me feel that they shared a passion for each other. Add to the fact that the conflict arises shortly after, and I was left wondering what kind of damaged goods these two people (mostly her) are, considering the way they reacted to a minor upheaval. I'm not sure to blame this on the director or the actors.

The movie as a whole is enjoyable, and it's always refreshing to see an R-Rated sex comedy. The movie says nothing new, but what it does say, it says better than its current competition That Awkward Moment.

Judd: ** 1/2.