AfroPixFlix

This romantic comedy with edges of somber notes is saved by superb editing. It departs from the novel by de-emphasizing the drug-dependencies of the protagonist. This is a shame, because the appealing message of breaking free from the western culture's mantra of "a pill for every ill" is obscured. This film is a good recommendation for those who struggle with self- forgiveness, which at times is probably everyone if we own up to it. The danger is that there's not so much attention paid to making things right with those whom we have hurt. In other words, the film is a journey toward inward peace, without examination of the concomitant virtues of reconciliation (not always an option), restoration, or a simple, straightforward apology. Because the protagonist has come to grips with her own transgressions doesn't mean that others in her past life have. I won't spoil the end, but the quick seven-second shot at the end of the film lacks full development. This is understandable, though, since no film could provide the nuancing that a good novel can. The colors, sounds, and moods of international travel pop in this film, which, like the book, borders on morphing into a travelogue, which was probably the whole point. AfroPixFlix feels at one with seven forks here.

Weak effort by all concerned except for a handful of supporting cast bit players. Diaz plays a character with hardly any redeeming qualities whatsoever, and her one-time real-life beau, Timberlake, is cast in a role which adds zilch to the weak plot. Has all the earmarks of a character written into the script at, ah-hem, "someone's" request. His role as the love interest of two competing teachers could have been supplanted with a more believable competition for teacher-of the-year. The acting is not at all A-list quality, the plot is thin, and without anything going for it but crudeness, this film is totally passable. Demote it down and ultimately out of the queue matriculation list. AfroPixFlix flunks this with a solitary fork, one suitable for tossing this down the cafeteria garbage chute, right along with the creamed corn casserole. Boo.