Love Jones

After viewing this movie, lets say, around 8 times, the story line has never bored me. Each character has their own distinct personality and their own views of "love". This movie has timeless, almost realistic, love lessons. Filled with philosophies on love, a jazzy soundtrack, and great actors is why I would call it a classic.

Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius' feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion.

While the film received favorable critical reviews, the film was not a financial success but it remains a cult following because of its realistic characters and unorthodox take on the romance genre. It is also Theodore Witcher's only directorial work to date (2016). The producers of the film said that they wanted to make a modern film about African-American life that did not use violence and recreational drugs as elements in the story.

I am not big on romantic stories, and I am not big on many so-called "black movies". But I think the folks behind this one did everything right. The idea to avoid drugs and violence was smart, because why should every movie featuring African-Americans reinforce the stereotype of the ghetto or criminal behavior? This just sets a bad example.

However, "Love Jones" avoids that trap and makes it a deeper story about love, dating, and the difference between casual and serious relationships. On a personal note, I love the Chicago setting. As a midwesterner, very few movies are set in my area. Chicago is about as close as they ever come... so it is nice to see somewhere outside of LA and New York.

Love Jones explores the passionate and intelligent sides of love, and it does so deliciously. Larenz Tate and Nia Long deliver performances as understated as the film's smart jazz and R&B soundtrack -- their approaches give their characters dimension and depth. But make no mistake -- this film offers elements of entertainment and political correctness in director Theodore Witcher's offering of multi-layered African-American characters. If comparisons must be made, Love Jones compares to the best in Woody Allen's Annie Hall and Manhattan, as those films explore desire and passion through words in addition to physical attractions. Recommend this film to the scores of filmgoers who missed its limited theatrical release -- better yet, serve it up as a first course conversation starter during your next gathering with friends. It's sure to spark equally passionate discussion, and that's always a good thing.

This is in my top 5 when I name my favorite movies of all time. There wasn't a single character in this movie that didn't act more than they were. The hardest role in a movie may BE to perhaps, play someone that you'd see everyday, or someone that you'd be everyday, and they pull it off so naturally. It just reminded me SO much about how me and my peeps would kick it on weekends...one couch...snacks, and crazy stories and philosophies on life. I love nights like that. To add to it, who WOULDN'T want to have the type of relationship that Nia and Larenz endured? Good or Bad...it was so sexy and warm and black and beautiful...Definitely a keeper, and PACKED with unforgettable quotes that ALL can relate to. Definitely somethin for the movie collection.

It's a shame this movie didn't get more play in theatres. It's a rich, textured love story with believable, all-too-human characters, who are too busy gaming and protecting their hearts to recognize The Real Thing when they experience it. One of the most pleasurable aspects of this movie is its setting in Chicago, among hip, artistic, literate, middle-class African-Americans who discuss poetry, music and literature. Another is his Royal Fineness, Larenz Tate -- and if you are even half a fan of his, you NEED to see this film! His boyish cockiness and vulnerability are perfect for the role of Darius. Nia Long also shines as Nina, who longs to tell Darius she loves him but is afraid the break "the Rules." A great movie to watch curled up on the couch with your sweetie!