CORPORATE LINE: A romantic comedy about finding love where it’s least expected, Something New marks the feature directorial debut of Sanaa Hamri.
If love is an adventure, it’s one yet to be embarked upon by Kenya Denise McQueen (Sanaa Lathan). A beautiful L.A. career woman, Kenya works as a senior manager at a prestigious accounting firm, and is on the verge of making partner. But she has yet to find her own partner and a fulfilling personal life. It’s not that she’s stopped looking; her (mental) checklist is at the ready. After another Valentine’s Day spent working late, Kenya agrees to a blind date with Brian Kelly (Simon Baker), a sexy and free-spirited landscape architect who turns out to be not exactly what she’d pictured for herself. Then again, she does need the yard of her new house fixed up…
Her girlfriends Cheryl, Suzzette, and Nedra (Wendy Raquel Robinson, Golden Brooks, Taraji P. Henson) are there for her with advice, while Cheryl’s new beau Walter (Mike Epps) shares a male perspective with Brian. Kenya’s socially prominent parents Joyce and Edmond (Alfred Woodard, Earl Billings) and womanizing younger brother Nelson (Donald Faison) also voice their own opinions. But it’s when her perfect match, Mark (Blair Underwood), enters the picture that Kenya is truly thrown into confusion. Ultimately, Kenya has to decide for herself and follow her heart – no matter where it takes her.
SOMETHING NEW
THE CRITIQUE: The notion of an interracial romance isn’t going to stun many people. The issue with race isn’t going to keep people away—the weak plot is the problem. The dialogue is boring and the entire film lacks tempo.
FRANKLY: Even if Something New discusses issues those discussions are going to fall on deaf ears. Serious or not this isn’t the movie that is going to break any barriers.
+ Charlie Craine
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