Review of Jumping the Broom (2011) by Jillian L — 01 Sep 2011

I normally try to watch the widest range of movies possible. So, although this movie is not something I would typically gravitate towards, a friend of mine said it was good, and I love Loretta Devine, so I decided to give it a shot.

Overall, it wasn't a bad movie. But like in Something Borrowed, they were all idiots. well, more whiny than idiotic in this one, but still. It was a very typical "clash of two different worlds and mayhem ensues" type of comedy but this one did have a few funny moments.

The only non-prejudiced characters were the bride and groom, played well by Laz Alonso and Paula Patton. But then, they succumb to the rest of their families' ignorance, which puts them in trouble as well.

Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett steal the movie as the mothers of the groom and bride, respectively. Both of them are fantastic in their roles, and it was to the point where I couldn't stand Loretta Devine's character, so job well done.

The rehearsal dinner scene was especially good between the two of them. Julie Bowen as the wedding planner was totally unappreciated. She was hilarious and played the whole "these are really awkward questions but I really want/need to ask them" angle to great effect.

Now I had absolutely no idea what the whole jumping the broom thing meant, but they did a nice job of slipping in an explanation without blatantly throwing it out there. Of course it all comes together in the end, it always does, but the wedding scenes are really touching and just like every romantic comedy does to every girl, makes them think about wanting to get married.

Overall, not bad, not great either, a typical romantic comedy with a cute twist.