ja-191-280465 Review of Jumping the Broom

Jumping the Broom (2011)

Cliché, yet entertaining enough to watch.

[7/10 · 29 December 2011]

"Jumping The Broom" is one of this year's latest romantic comedies. The movie revolves around a gorgeous, young couple played by Laz Alonso ("Stomp The Yard") and Paula Patton ( "Idlewild") who are planning on getting married. The couple remain in pre marital bliss until they bring their respective families together. Both families, one wealthy, the other working class meet for the first time at Martha's Vineyard which is where most of the drama and romantic interludes unfold. The movie consist of an all star cast which includes Loretta Devine as the meddlesome, overbearing, protective mother, Mike Epps as the funny uncle, Angela Bassett, as the beougie, materialistic mother of the bride, along with Tasha Smith (" Why Did I Get Married"?)and Valerie Pettiford (" Half &Half"). Overall, the film does have its entertaining moments. However, like most family/ romantic dramas, the plot is somewhat trite, i.e, hidden family secrets revealed, meddling soon-to be in laws, following family traditions and customs as well as deep rooted issues that test the strength and bond between the two main characters. Its great to see a movie that focuses on family unity and true love along with unfortunate circumstances that can tear a family apart, but still manage to bring them closer together. While there are some nice touches to the film, the ending is rather predictable and could've had a little more surprise to it. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.