Halle Bailey – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Kat Coiro

Written By: Ryan Engle

Story By: Ryan Engle & Kristin E. Engle

Cinematography: Danny Ruhlmann

Editor: Zene Baker and Troy Takaki

Cast: Halle Bailey, Rage-Jean Page, Lorenzo De Moor, Marco Calvani, Isabella Ferrari, Aziza Scott, Nia Vardalos, Desiree Popper

When a woman crashes at an empty Italian villa posing as the owner’s fiancée, she discovers an unexpected romance that could transform her life.

Sometimes a movie doesn’t need to reinvent the romantic comedy. Sometimes it just needs to be charming, pretty, and know exactly what it wants to be. This is pretty much that movie.

It’s simple, predictable, and built with the kind of sitcom logic you can see coming from a mile away. But honestly? There’s something rather pleasant about that. The movie has an easygoing charm, a picturesque setting, and a cast that makes the whole thing go down pretty smoothly. It’s not exactly epic filmmaking, but it is certainly easy on the eyes.

And then there’s Halle Bailey. It’s still a little strange seeing her play a fully grown adult character because, well… she still looks so young. There are moments when it feels almost like she’s playing dress-up as an adult. But she’s good here, and there’s an appealing warmth to her performance. Young people need love stories too, apparently. Who knew?

The movie does introduce a few details that seem as though they’re going to become important, only to eventually leave them sitting on the side of the road. I kept waiting for certain pieces of Mateo and Isabella’s history to lead somewhere, especially because their relationship feels like it has a story worth telling. Even if they’re supporting characters, a little more background would have given the movie some additional texture.

But my biggest hesitation comes from something outside the movie itself.

I’ve seen this film treated by some as though being basic, automatically makes it bad. And I’m not entirely convinced that’s fair. Plenty of romantic comedies have operated with this exact formula for years. They’re predictable, glossy, sentimental and designed to give you a pleasant couple of hours.

So why does this one sometimes seem to get judged more harshly?

I can’t help but wonder if part of it has something to do with the fact that the central love story is primarily between two Black leads. That shouldn’t make the movie more or less identifiable, and it certainly shouldn’t make its familiar formula suddenly seem inferior. If anything, it’s nice to see a Black love story allowed to simply be a love story, rather than feeling obligated to explain itself, make a political statement, or turn every moment into a joke. that’s what I appreciated here.

Yes, this film is basic. But basic isn’t necessarily a crime. Sometimes you want the cinematic equivalent of a nice vacation: beautiful scenery, attractive people, a little romance, a little sass, and absolutely no need to pack emotional baggage.

The film has a pleasant vibe, and sometimes that’s enough.

It may not stay with you forever, but we have all seen worse.

Grade: C+

Directed By: Blitz Bazawule

Written By: Marcus Gardley

Based On The Musical Stage Play & Book Of The Musical Stage Play By: Marsha Norman

Based On The Novel By: Alice Walker

Cinematography: Dan Laustsen

Editor: Jon Poll

Cast: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, Louis Gossett Jr., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Gabriella Wilson ‘H.E.R.’, David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Batiste, Tamela Mann, Elizabeth Marvel

A woman faces many hardships in her life but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

If you are a fan of the original movie like I am, this film is going to come off more as a cliff-notes version of that film. where you recognize the scenes that are coming up in the situation, but it never quite delves into the depth and drama, as much as the original

While watching this film, it constantly feels like a production, which it is, considering it’s based on the Broadway adaptation of the book and the movie is successful in that manner. But for those of us who know the history, and the story a little better it always will feel like a musical. As it never feels like it has the proper roots. It is constantly deprived and not sure of the depth it will survive with rough weathering.

Don’t get me wrong. This film is visually stunning and all the performances are to be noted and feel true to themselves, it just comes across as way too happy in the end, as there is too much redemption for everyone. Which feels more like a Hollywood production and influence over necessary truth character and narrative-wise.

I’ve never read the book. so I can’t say what was more truthful to the book or the material. I can only go by my multiple viewings of the first film that I saw when I was way too young and have grown up with, so that is the version I always will feel close and emotional to, so I use that film as a reference.

For instance, in this version, Fantasia Barrino plays the older version of Celie and is supposed to be the main character, even though this is an ensemble film, it feels like most of the time her character is more in the background than the lead. Everyone else gets their chance to shine, and then it seems like the film remembers. “Oh yeah,” instead of making her witness we should let her have a say at this point. Thematically that works well as her character is so meek or is treated and punished, so often she is as quiet as a church mouse, even though everyone seems to depend on her and know her. it works for the motivation of a character, but it also kind of limits her and she’s our lead.

Taraji Henson. as well, even though. We know she’s not a natural singer, but she makes the character of Shig unforgettable and sets the screen ablaze. She clearly looks like she is having fun. Plus her musical number allows for a memorable entrance.

Danielle Brooks has the much more showstopping supporting role of Miss Sophia and it seems like it was Tailor made for her. Miss Danielle Brooks is an actress who has loads of charisma and can’t help but show it in whatever role she plays. Here not only does she show it, but she shows a certain strength And proudness with comedic sensibility that comes through the screen. It shows that she should be in more that is truly worthy of her talent.

Coleman Domingo can always be counted on to give a good performance, though I wish he had more positive and good-guy rules, rather than usually being the villain or the bastard in most of his roles. As he has the looks, talent, and depth to more leading rules.

The film isn’t bad. As the music is catchy even for a downtrodden story, some of the songs come out of nowhere. luckily towards the middle, the film becomes more about drama, the scenes and situations, and the seriousness of them, and then the musical segments will come in as more of a time to show good Times. Rather than be where let’s say, a character just got punished, and now all of a sudden we’re going to see them sing and dance with upbeat tunes. Which would feel out of place and rather ridiculous. There are those moments in the film. They don’t feel ridiculous at the time but when you look back at them, they seem a little out of place

Director Blitz Bazawule should be commended as he took on a Herculean task and came through well enough as his visuals are stunning and powerful, and he handles the gargantuan production well enough to make it his own and create a cinematic world that is impeccable in its design.

This version is in the new generation version. That seems to choose not to focus on the pain and actions so much, but to highlight the positive aspects and positivity that can be gained and the strength of family and the human spirit.

The film is memorable, even if it is the lighter, brighter version of the material. you don’t have to run to go see it but you will be fully entertained by it

Grade: B

Tag: Halle Bailey

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