T.D. Jakes is a major pastor in Dallas, Texas who has great talent, faith, and prosperity. He's written many books and plays in his career. Two have been made into movies: "Woman Thou Art Loosed" (2004) and "Not Easily Broken". These novels explore their characters' journey through trials and tribulations of the Earth until they regain their relationship with God to redemption -- in some manner or another, at least. The latest movie adaptation was entertaining but I felt mired in a formulaic, sappy, and predictable storyline. My rating: $5.50 (1.-10.).
So, I should probably go read all the ____ messages I'm going to receive for this blog.....Nah! Tyler Perry started this latest trend of weaving God and religion into heart wrenching tales of African-American life that always end with everyone who keeps the faith having a happy ending. He did it well. And I will continue to go see anything he does. But this one could have been in a soap-opera plot.
Handsome Morris Chesnut (thankfully with hair for only the first 10 minutes of the movie) plays Dave Johnson, baseball star whose career was ruined when he shattered his knee in his rookie year. He starts a home improvement business that has moderate success. Cute-as-a-doll baby, Taraji P. Henson (Queenie in 'Benjamin Button'), plays his successful realtor-wife, Clarice. The opening scene starts in 1995 at their wedding where their pastor, Bishop Wilkes (Albert Hall who also played Dr. Nichols in the last 'National Treasure' movie), gives them a lovely lesson on the 3 strands of marriage -- each of them and God. Without God, the other 2 strings can never be as strong.
Fast-forward to present day. Clarice is the type-A, main moneymaker in the home. Dave feels unappreciated as he's constantly reminded that she's making the most money and keeping them in their high lifestyle. Trouble in paradise. He also wants kids. She wants money and success. He coaches a community baseball team for underprivileged kids that she feels is a waste of time and his attention from her. As she's in the car with him and b--ching royally about him making them late for HER sales award dinner late because he was coaching, they get broadsided and she's put out of commission for months with a multiply fractured leg.
In comes Clarice's big-mouthed mother, Mary (Jenifer Lewis - Vera in "Meet the Browns") who outright declares Dave at fault for the accident because------he was out coaching those wanna-be felons. She moves into 'help'.
There's some comic relief by Dave's friend, Tree, played by 28 year-old Kevin Hart (No. 17 in "Meet Dave"). Eddie Cibrian (Tyler in "The Cave" -- has great, big dimples) plays Dave's other best friend since high school, Brock. Tree is always talking about the tribulations of his marriage -- but he loves his wife. Brock is a chick-magnet and player in the midst of a divorce. These two support Dave's story and, other than in dialogue, have no life on screen. Another minor subplot involves Dave trying to the save the son of an ex-con, drug dealer who was one of his best friends in high school. The guy blames everyone for losing his chance at college and a baseball scholarship and makes his son pay.
Forty-four year-old Maeve Quinlan is brought in as Julie Sawyer, an attraction for Brock and the Physical Therapist who brings back Clarice's mobility. She has a son named Bryson (14 year-old Cannon Jay) around whom her world revolves. He's well-mannered, smart, and a champion swimmer. When Dave and Clarice have a rocky patch, Julie recognizes Dave's value. Shallow Brock keeps getting shot-down with every attempt to attract Julie. Subtle message: women aren't looking for players - no matter how wealthy or handsome (yeah, right).
Several crises occur at once. Bryson has a trauma, Clarice thinks Dave is having an affair with Julie, and Clarice's mom throws Dave out of the house (and she lets her). This is where I leave you hanging so you'll go see the movie if you care enough to find out the ending. I'll admit people were clapping and booing with each twist and turn. I have no illusion this won't be a smash hit in many circles.
This screen adaptation comes from Brian Bird. Mr. Bird also wrote "Saving Sarah Cain" about the sister who inherits her sister's Amish kids upon the sister's death. He also did that crazy movie "The Last Sin Eater " about the backwoods community that believed the 'eater' had to come to every funeral to take away the sins of the dead. But a little girl has the bravery to question and discover the truth of the 'Sin Eater'. OK, so you might not remember them but they're on DVD and most movie channels at least once per month. "Not Easily Broken" bears a resemblance to his past works around religion, soul-searching, and enlightenment. Bill Duke directed and produced the movie. You might remember him in 'Predator' as Mac, the guy who breaks the razor on his face in the tense wait for the alien in the jungle.
This movie is rated 'PG-13' and lasts only about 1 hour 40 minutes. It's pretty intense in some parts with regards to marriage problems. I wouldn't take my young kids to see it ....but you might. I can also see some married couples getting romantic afterward. Of the movies opening this week, this one's a shoe-in for those who don't want a scare. Enjoy!