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Trophy-wife-wannabe Morgan (Paula Patton), left, moves on NBA star Scott (Common) as Leslie (Queen Latifah) can barely believe her eyeballs in the romantic comedy “Just Wright.” |
There are moments in the trite rom-com “Just Wright” when executive producer Queen Latifah looks unbelievably stunning in an evening gown, or just swaddled in a set of overalls.
There are other moments in Sanaa Hambri’s romantic fantasy that explode with genuine romantic fireworks, amazing little moments that transcend a formulaic, by-the-numbers plot.
In this almost-right, bland and overwritten rom-com, the size-plus woman gets the guy, because the guy gets her first.
But this only happens after he realizes that playing for a picture-perfect woman isn’t always the best strategy in the metaphorical game of love.
Latifah plays Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who lives vicariously through the endless romances of her beautiful, model-esque best pal Morgan (Paula Patton, the knockdown gorgeous inner-city teacher in “Precious”).
A shallow materialist and gold digger, Morgan can’t wait to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming an NBA trophy wife so she can sit in the special bleachers and hobnob with the other trophy spouses.
One night at a gas station, Leslie has a chance meeting with New Jersey Nets superstar Scott McKnight (Common), who seems quite taken with her down-to-earth qualities and self-confidence.
Until he meets Morgan, who baits her feminine hook with the precision of a professional deep-sea fisherwoman. Soon, she’s picking out silverware and dishes with the man whom Leslie really likes – and saw first. (Read more…)