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 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

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.

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.