Megann Horstead
Social Media Editor
Meg’s tip: When a film requires a double take to convince you that it’s okay to go gaga over romance, that’s precisely the effect of “About Last Night.”
“About Last Night”, directed by Steve Pink, opened to audiences on Valentine’s Day with big names headlining, such as Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, and Joy Bryant.
As a remake of David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago”, “About Last Night” dispelled much of the bad mouthing that films working to meet this end have endured. Some may argue that the story added nothing substantial to the original screenplay, but moments where the film used exaggerations made the story come to life when given time.
The comedic film centers on the lives of two couples looking for love, getting it wrong, and working to make things right. The lessons in love these couples encounter speak just as much to building romantic relationships as they do finding one’s purpose in life.
More specifically, Kevin Hart and Michael Ealy assumed the roles of Bernie and Danny respectively. The two friends could not differ more. Danny is a year removed from a long-term relationship and struggles with the idea of finally letting go. Bernie, the free spirited man of many jokes, wants more than anything to help a brother out.
Speaking of the ladies, we learned that Bernie is seeing a woman of his own and her name is Joan. Played by Regina Hall, Joan’s wild and upbeat ways strategically matches that of Bernie’s. This dynamic can be attributed for the magic made in this madman-esque, love-hate relationship. As weird as it may sound, putting Hart in a position where he must show a more softened, romantic side proves to be genius.
As the story builds, Bernie’s growing relationship with Joan opens up an opportunity for Danny to meet Joan’s roommate named Debbie. Played by Joy Bryant, Debbie is a breath of fresh air to Joan’s dark, turbulent waters. Noticing this, Danny decides to give romance a try.
By the film’s end, audiences are left wanting more. The time that the main characters of the film spend together helped to elicit glee, sadness, and an enduring strength in belief. Rarely did anything feel rushed or forced; it was raw and instinctual by nature.
The film’s casting was unbelievably well done. Individually the actors were a riot, but together they were phenomenal. To come down from points of laughter liable to make you lose your breath, and enter into the deepest of pathos at a moment’s notice, is a difficult feat but made to look easy. In a nutshell, this isn’t just another comedy, but deserves an entire category of its own.
Most of all, Kevin Hart looks like he’s as poised as ever for this year in film. “About Last Night” and “Ride Along” are two films currently playing that feature Hart. If this says anything about Hart, it states that he is in it for the long haul.
Some questioned whether Hart had the staying power to be a big name going into 2014, but don’t forget: the proof is in the numbers held at the box office.
Whether you walk in a Kevin Hart fan or not doesn’t matter. Everyone walks out of this film on Hart’s side after this box office showing. His previous films may have left viewers feeling unsatisfied, but don’t pre-judge him his efforts in “About Last Night.”
In the end, the timing of this film’s release on Valentine’s Day was superb. “About Last Night” is a date movie that will easily hookup couples with laughter.
Brought to audiences by Screen Gems, “About Last Night” is rated R for sexual content, language, and brief drug use.
