About Last Night (2014)

Romance comedies are all over the place now a days. Good or bad, they are one the most popular types of comedy films always being produced. So how does one production define itself from another? First, the source material from which it's taken has to be somewhat relevant to today and uncover various issues that go on in everyone's social lives during their youth. Then there has to be a cast of actors that can blend in with this age demographic. And from what it looks like, these specific parts to the film were taken care of nicely. It's still not perfect but it measures up in the end.Before the massive following of Kevin Hart turned this movie into one of his vehicles, this title had earlier beginnings going back to 1986 of the same name starring Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins. Of course that was a different time then too. The characters' names remain the same, but the actors are different. The story revolves around two homeboys and their girlfriends and how they try to live with each other's decisions and how they act with their significant other. All of this occurs when one day Bernie (Kevin Hart) introduces his girlfriend Joan (Regina Hall) and Debbie (Joy Bryant) to his introverted buddy Danny (Michael Ealy). The fireworks just never end between these two couples. Surprisingly, the screenplay doesn't rely on the usual romance-comedy clichés that everyone is familiar with.Writing for this production is Leslye Headland, who only had one other theatrical release credit prior to this, being Bachelorette (2012), which wasn't considered movie magic. Perhaps it's the source material of which she had to work with. I don't know but it's definitely is more polished here. The leads to this story do wonders too. Kevin Hart, although still loud and rambles his mouth off at least doesn't make the movie feel like it was all about him. This time he shared the camera with his co-star counterparts, especially with Regina Hall. Both exchange some funny lines together, of which provide most of the energy. And if Regina Hall and Kevin Hart are the energy, then Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant are the foil to them, displaying the romantic side of being with a significant other.Its good to have this contrast because it shows the fun you can have when it comes to being outside or inside the house. Along with this come the struggles of the outer forces that always seem to interfere with our desires and goals. Work, Ex-girlfriends, pets and babies. These particular topics are all addressed in a way that feels more relevant today than it ever has before. Even more remarkable is that certain topics like Ex's, is handled in a way that would seem cliché but ends up concluding in a different direction which is good. Also because this is an R rated comedy, the loves scenes will be more explicit than your regular tween PG-13 movie.In fact, some of the scenes are just downright goofy. This is fine though because for two reasons. First, this is a comedy, so if goofy is what it takes to be funny, so be it. Second is that sex can be funny. No one ever said it ever had to be serious or always passionate either. Aside from this though, the heavier emotional scenes are also handled with care. At some point, each character will see the error of their ways, which leads them to rethink their decision. All proper and required development to have likable and memorable characters. If there's anything pick on for this production its the audio and visual style to the movie. The music composed by Marcus Miller does fit the scenes they are played in, but do not stick out. Also the cinematography is rather repetitive. The sets do not seem to deviant from more than three places so the settings become too familiar too quickly. However, that's not much to be concerned with. Overall it's a good time.A romance-comedy that doesn't stick to the usual formula, viewers should get a kick out of this contemporary take on the struggles of people who catch strong feelings for each other. Plus, the story is supported by a humorous cast and likable characters.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT is a very funny, sharply written comedy for adults that largely succeeds due to the chemistry and banter of its leads. The story is about four people in Los Angeles who navigate the uncertain waters of adult relationships, and I thought it did a nice job portraying the realities of romantic entanglements, even if it was exaggerated at times for laughs. Far and away, the biggest star here is Kevin Hart who, although short, has an enormous comic presence and a gift for timing and improvisation. The other three also do an admirable job with their roles, although not quite up to level of Kevin Hart. What was refreshing about this movie is that it wasn't afraid to go "there," resulting in some truly hilarious moments, almost all involving sex. And although I'm not too familiar with the play on which this is based, I did get a David Mamet vibe from the speed and sharpness of the dialogue. Still, there are a few downsides. The biggest one is that when the movie slows down into the obligatory melodramatic part, I felt like they took a couple steps backward by relying on romantic movie clichés. There was also a subplot involving a bar that Danny (Michael Ealy) frequents that could either have been beefed up a little, or left out entirely. Still, for a romantic comedy in this day and age, it's definitely one of the better ones. I should also mention that it has an impressive contemporary soundtrack, with cuts from John Legend and Bruno Mars. I'd have a hard time recommending this to someone who isn't already into this type of movie, but for those that are, it is well worth your time.

Honestly, I'm disappointed. Steve Pink has directed some much funnier comedies in the past (Accepted, Hot Tub Time Machine). I think the problem is that he's just not cut out to direct the serious stuff. The first 20-30 minutes of the movie are the funniest, and the strongest. After that, the film drags and drags. Clearly there are two couples, and Ealy and Bryant's relationship takes the dramatic turn, while Hart and Hall are funny.Ealy and Bryant are too melodramatic to make the dull material work, and Hart and Hall are oddly slapstick next to them. Do men really talk to women the way Kevin Hart's character does? Or is he an exaggerated version to be funny? He borders on obnoxious.If you make it to the end, which I suppose most of you will, do you even care if the couples stay together or break up? In many ways, the film makes a stronger case for these couples not being together. I suppose, the one thing the movie does well is define itself as not being a black movie. I know what you're thinking… the four leads are all black, it must be a black movie. It's not. I don't recall a moment in the film where they ever discuss being black, or the struggle of being black, or anything related to the color of their skin.The film is a romantic comedy, where the leads happen to be black. Most films like this end up being "black movies", because of jokes that resonate more with a black audience, or jokes about the culture, etc. About Last Night avoids all of that, amazingly.You won't get past the fact that the film drags, the acting isn't great, and you'll end up not caring about the end result. I'm behind on reviewing this, it's already on DVD, and that's a good thing. This would have been a definite skip for theatres, but is less offensive when you only spend a dollar or two on it.

This film is a remake of the old 1986 movie with the same title featuring a all white cast. This 2014,"About Last Night" remake has all black actors in the major roles and is very funny. Why? All dues go out to Regina Hall and Kevin Hart. Their chemistry is phenomenal. You can even tell whenever they go off on a ad-lib rant because the movie just gets better. Regina Hall of the "Scary movie," venues is such a good comedic actress and at nearly 40 years of age she still looks like she is in her twenties. I actually think the movie would have been better if Hall and Hart had been the only couple on the screen. They had the best written parts in the movie...which is not saying much. I never saw the 1986 movie, but I assume their writer's had the same trouble writing a realistic comedy about a one night stand. "Sex," and "Love" are such complex topics; only a few movies have been successful at adequately portraying what really happens when two blacks try to find love. I recommend the movie only because of the comedic performances by Regina Hall and Kevin Hart...and that is the only reason to see this retread.