35 and Ticking

I really liked this movie. It was a refreshing surprise. Funny and heart wrenching. There was one problem. The movie begins in 1983. The characters look to be between 10 and 12. If they are 35-37 in 2011, then their childhood characters were too old. They would have only been about 7 or 8 in 1983 (how I was). Aside from that, I thought it was a funny and refreshing film that didn't treat any gender like they were the bad guys. I liked that the characters were also likable and caring people and the comedy was great. I would've given it a 10 out of 10, it it had had a better ending. There was also one scene that was COMPLETELY unbelievable (I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but it involves two characters and the reproductive center). I enjoyed the comedy and it was heart wrenching to see how one character had been hurt. Still a nice movie. My hubby loved it - and he doesn't go for those kinds of movies.

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.

Granted this movie is not a smash hit, but if your home with your loved one, its great to watch on a "movie night". I found the story line to be a bit predictable and somewhat slow at time but, I found there was enough to still enjoy this comedy. The cast is rich with funny people like Mike Epps, and Kevin Hart and talented actresses like Nicole Parker. Its hard to go wrong with such talent (Megan Good comes to mind). I think this level of talent really picks up a story line that might be a little dry. Watching the development of this movie is a little slow but as time goes on it starts to pick up and do just fine. I think it helps if you sit down with your girlfriend or boyfriend husband or wife and grab some popcorn and enjoy this movie. You wont be disappointed

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.

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.