Loving Jezebel

I lucked up on this movie while flipping through HBO one day. On first glance, I frowned up, because I thought it was going to be another one of those "formulaic black romances", complete with unfair stereotypes and your occasional shot of lovemaking. But...what the heck...I have no life....so I gave it a shot! What I saw completely blew me away. Hill Harper gives an excellent performance as Theodorous, a lovesick soul who falls for all the wrong women. As we follow Theodorous through his various hilarious exploits, the thing that struck me were his monologues. The writing was just solid...more solid than you would expect from this type of film...and whenever Theodorous goes on one of his rapid fire tangents trying to win over some poor, ATTACHED woman...you can't help but shake your head and realize that "Wow...this brother has got some game!" Needless to say, I love the film...it's a guilty pleasure of mine...and I'm currently trying to find this in DVD format so I can put it on my shelf right next to "Hav Plenty" and the few other intelligent African-American romantic comedies that I'm proud to say that I own.

One love, DVS

The movie is great, especially for the clever dialogue and believable characters. It uses stereotypes in a very original manner to advance the storyline and narration. The acting and directing is first rate all the way. It is however a very sentimental story sometimes becoming almost farcical! However this does not ultimately spoil the pleasure you get in viewing this memorable film. It also includes one of the most believable inter-racial relationships yet put on the silver screen.

I won't say too much just that this is a very good film that is not what you would expect from a romantic comedy. First of all the main character is not your typical African-American lead. I love the fact that the story doesn't chain you to the idea that this is a black man and he should be dating nothing but black women. He's a suburban guy with a mixed parentage who hangs out with and loves people of all different types. This might be the only time I've liked Hill Harper in anything(other than The Nephew). Sandrine Holt, Nicole Parker, and Laurel Holloman are as beautiful as ever and put on worthy performances. This is a fun little film that will definitely surprise some people. Give it a shot.

Nicole Parker was amazing! This movie is a MUST SEE just to catch her performance. She is going to be a HUGE STAR! Her chemistry with the other cast members is remarkable. Even if you usually only see big budget, studio films...make an exception for this one. Shooting Gallery has another winner.

The Tao of Steve is another film about a guy who knows how to talk to women and charm them. Hal Harper's character could use some of the Tao of Steve, for this movie is only half as smart. Yet it is fun, enjoyable and well made with sparkling performaces. This is great date picture that transends racial boundaries, it's appeal is compairable with The Best Man. At times it feels a little contrived but when it starts to take itself too searously it tosses in a laugh, sometimes the laughs are kinda cheazy (ie: the teacher's reaction to defination of love). This films romantic comedy structure flows pretty smoothly, not as smoothly as The Very Thought of You (or whatever it's called overseas), but it works well. Go see it with an open mind and ear for some interesting diolge and you'll end of having a pleasent time.