Jumping the Broom

Jumping the Broom

Every culture has its wedding traditions. Jewish couples break the glass; Hindu couples exchange garlands; and rich couples sign prenups.

The wedding tradition in this drama, however, is controversial.

After another one nightstand, Sabrina (Paula Patton) vows not to spread her legs until she is married.

Accepting that challenge is Jason (Laz Alonso), a cultured, caring guy, who proposes in less than 6-months.

Now, they must make their families see eye-to-eye on cultural issues, including the ceremonially slave custom of jumping over a broom to secretly signify marriage.

Meanwhile, Jason must confront his overbearing mother (Loretta Devine), while Sabrina sorts through the news that her parents (Angela Bassett, Brian Stokes Mitchel) aren't who they say they are.

Laden with religious dialogue and debates over racial obligations, Jumping the Broom does have its agenda; however, its depiction of in-law fallouts is accurate.

Which is why the ideal wedding is that of two orphans. (Yellow Light)

I am sorry I did not see in the theater. Yes, it covers a lot of common issues, but with a different slant. This to me was different than the movie "Our Family Wedding" because it dealt with black culture from a totally different nationality wedding tradition. This movie deals with culture within a culture. In this day and age so much is available to us with just a key stroke, it is difficult not to touch on what is familiar. We are in an information age so much is not surprising these days. I don't think we have seen many movies who deal with issues about black mothers and how they treat their sons as this one has. Also the touch on jumping the broom and where the tradition came from and what it represented was addressed also and needed for those who don't know. Kind of reminds us that we don't have to throw the baby out with the bath water so to speak. We can include our traditions along with adding changes. Most of all don't give your cookies away to any and everybody! I say this is a good product. Kudos to the producers, directors, cast and crew... thanks for a job done well.

These type of African-American comedy movies that make their way to the market are among the few. Jumping the broom is a type of movie that avoids many of the typical and overused stuff of the genre yet provoke a fair degree of an enjoyable experience. It's not a perfect movie but hey, c'Mon who needs that tension, we are going for fun. The movie has enough entertaining and funny moments that will provide satisfaction to your movie watching experience thanks to the award-winning cast for their great performances.

This takes us to the movie theme and plot. In a simple style and scale the director Salim Akil presents a family and culture clashing comedy that is well filmed with progressive shots with a bright tinch of melodrama. As in many romantic movies, the story is about two lovebirds, but here the story is all about class and status. The film features two love-birds Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) and Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso) planning to marry each other. However the main setup of the film is that these two love each other but their families don't.

Apart from the storyline the film works only because the script is a juggling stuff with a dozen of jokes and gags. Another coup for the film is it's amusing supporting characters which prevents a hard collision and bloodbath when these two entirely different families meet each other. This film also has other shining moments such as it's elegant wedding feel and well coordinated cinematography. The casting is well chosen and diverse. Overall, by most standards it's not enough for a movie to be a hit but will attract the audience as a funny and an interesting flick.

I love movies, and I think this was a very good movie. It had a good story line and dealt with many issues that arise when a young couple in love marry and two families become united. There were some funny scenes and lines in the movies but also some powerful scenes. Mike Epps had some excellent one-liners and I like the interaction between Little Romeo (now all grown-up) and Tasha Smith (cougar relationship). I also like the interaction between the main love interests. There were some twists in the plot which I liked but most of all I liked how the characters came to grips with the imperfections of life and made the best of the situation. I thought it was a good movie and recommend others to see it.

I just came from watching and I must admit it was much better than I thought it might be. It was your typical boy meets girl, boy wants to marry girl, and their families clash picture. It was enjoyable but not without it's flaws. Loretta Devine once again plays the same mother character for the umpteenth time, albeit with a somewhat evil twist. Mike Epps and DeRay Davis were there to provide comic relief. Most disappointingly, Julie Bowen was the proverbial fish out of water. I like her on Modern Family but she just wasn't good in this feature. I had expected some more laughs from her. Meagan Good also makes her obligatory appearance as the tramp character.

What was good about the film was the abstinence message. It was present but not forced on the audience. That's not done often in today's cinema. I also enjoyed the fact Tasha Smith for once wasn't loud. That made her stand out more. Angela Bassett was the perfect snobbish mother. It's criminal that she does not have an Academy Award. It was also nice to see Black people that own something. We all don't live like the Huxtables, but we don't all live like the Evans family either.

Overall you won't regret dropping $10 on Jumping the Broom.