35 and Ticking

This is kinda like a low budget version of Think Like a Man. Maybe not as funny or polished but this is one of the better executed low budget black films I have seen to date. While most Black straight to DVD/TV movies suffer from poor production quality and bad acting, this one was surprisingly well made. Kevin Hart was not as over the top as he was in Think Like a Man but he still was very funny. All round good acting but I'd say my biggest problem is the chemistry of the "four friends". I can't put my finger on it but it just didn't feel believable that these four were best buddies. I'm shocked nobody tried to market this one better as a theatrical release. I never even heard of this movie until I was digging through IMDb for movies I haven't seen. If you are a fan of the genre is should definitely be on your to see list.

I liked the fact that it was an interesting drama leaning on real life dilemmas to work through. There was predictability, and some unexpected outcomes. Overall the character depth and development carried it. Iit was a little long, but that made it possible for the characters to have conversations and flashbacks about who they were and their potential.

I'm sure I ended up with this in my NetFlix queue because of a NetFlix "Because you watched..." recommendation. It took me months to finally watch it, and I wish I had watched it sooner. I liked it way more than I thought I would. It was way better than I thought it would be, in fact. The script was solid. The characters were well cast and well played. The content was relevant and relatable. There was something about everyone's story that I could relate to - wanting something that you're ready for, but can't attract into your life; meeting men who represent as less than suitable mates; a marriage where partners are not well matched and have differing goals...I could go on. A few honorable mentions - Jill Marie Scott's character was sooo believable that I no longer saw her as Toni from Girlfriends. I also didn't like her very much :). Her long suffering husband, Keith Robinson, made my heart ache. Usually that story line is reversed, and it's the wife who is long suffering. But he was totally believable as well. I loved Darius' obnoxious, gum smacking, loud suit wearing Nick. Luenell (sp) was great. She made me laugh each time she came on screen. This is definitely a movie I would see again. In fact, it's because it's currently on that I decided to write a review. Do yourself a favor and watch it. You won't be disappointed.

I came across this film at the Washington DC Independent Film Festival and knew nothing of the director. I was expecting a typical urban comedy in the style of "Soul Plane" or "Booty Call", and was happily surprised that it was more intelligent and well crafted. It that respect, it reminded me more of "Soul Food". The main characters in "35 and Ticking" are well developed and believable. The humor kept me laughing for most of the film. It avoids the raunchy quality of other recent comedies.

On the downside, the ending wraps up a little too neatly for my tastes. Director Russ Parr could have left some details for the audience to fill in, rather than fixing every loose end.

Solid acting and a good script can make a movie with few comedians' hilarious. The reality that was portrayed in this film kept me watching and the slick jokes kept me laughing. The four main stories are brought together beautifully and the characters are impressive to the mind and spirit. Zenobia (Nicole Ari Parker), Victoria (Tamala Jones), Cleavon (Kevin Hart), and Phil (Keith Robinson) are four child hood friends who are at a crossroads in their lives. As the hands of time cannot be turned back, the 30+ year old friends try to settle into their desired positions in life. Marriage, dating, and love are all placed in a comedic light in this upbeat comedy. This film is definitely worth a visit to your local red box. Kevin Hart, and Mike Epps at times, will give you a reason to keep grabbing at your guy. The rest of the cast will give your characters to be angry with, laugh with and smile with throughout the movie. This move is a diamond in the rough.