A Nova Paixão de Stella

"How Stella Got her Groove Back" was a refreshing change from the legion of "Hood" movies that have infested the 1990's. The movie; based on the Terry McMillan novel by the same name; stars: Angela Bassett as a fortyish six-figure income, single mom that falls for a young stud while vacationing in Jamaica.

"Stella" did not have a plot that revolved around: violence, guns and drugs. It effectively portrays the stigma attached to a older woman-younger man relationship, without pandering to a lot of ethnic stereotypes! It showed what a fine actress Angela Bassett was. It also showed Angela Bassett in skivvies!

Every woman that has been accused of "Robbing the Cradle" can relate to this motion picture! How Stella got Her Groove Back effectively portrayed an age gap love story. It takes character to see beyond the age difference in a romantic relationship.

I've heard of When Stella Got Her Groove Back, for years, but never until today checked it out. Stella, Angie Basset, is a day trader living in San Francisco. Stella has a child recently divorced, but is convinced to take a trip,

We go to Jamaica where a 20 year old man has the hots for Stella, she is not sure at first. They do a one night stand, thinking this will be the last we see of each other; Winston calls Stella at home asking for her to come back, and I miss you.

Throughout the film, both sides of the family are skeptical of the age difference until they see how much Winston and Stella care about each other.

Angie's and Whoopie's acting in this is just. Stellar! This is a great movie to make you feel better.

You know, when you're in the mood for a fantasy chick flick, this IS good. I mean it CAN be unrealistic but if it were a guy (the main character) would it be different than half the movies out there? Personally I tried to turn the darned thing off, but it was 3 am, my night off, and I ended up flaking on the couch and watching it. I liked it. Its nice to have a feel good movie without violence and people blowing each other up. The characters were too perfect, they lived perfect lives, and for me it was nice to get away. Maybe I fell asleep :P but no complaints. I didn't pay to see it, nor would I buy it. Its the perfect movie to watch with your girlfriends, have some wine, and complain about their perfect lives ;) Overall the story line deals with true issues and can make you think about your own life..... Thats all :P

It's typical of IMDb to have mindless action films earn an average of 7 or better, but for some reason a light film like this suffers from anti-romance, anti-female-lead bias that permeates this site. It is an enjoyable film with good music and the usual good acting from Angela Bassett. There are some good comedic moments, and good dialogue among the female friends in the movie. If you put aside the baggage of what happened with McMillan's real life marriage, you should like it.

Now that I've gotten my review out of the way, I have to say the one thing that bothered me about the film is that it makes Jamaica look like a great place to visit--when in fact it is an island guilty of gross human rights violations, where gay people live in fear for their lives and sexism is de rigeur. I cannot get past that simple injustice even when watching a movie, especially this one where a woman who could afford to go anywhere in the world chooses to give her travel dollars to the place that deserves them the least!

The first time I saw this movie I wanted to immediately hop a plane to Jamaica! I don't think it was the "meet the man of my dreams" part, but the scenery. It was just breathtaking (although the men aren't too bad to look at either!). As for the story, it was a good distraction from typical reality, because, let's face it ladies, we believe that doesn't happen everyday (especially to ourselves). The soundtrack was another good part of the movie, I just loved it. This movie is the kind that gives you hope for true romantic love, but in this cynical day and age most people don't let themselves be pulled in, or fooled, by the seemingly unrealistic situation. For those of us with a little romance still left, this is a wonderful movie. For those without, I'm sorry. (These are my thoughts excluding the latest headlines, I don't want to spoil my original feeling toward the movie).