Personals (1999) User Reviews

Yes it is a good movie!

[mrkg · 7/10 · 13 June 2006]

I don't recall this being released at the time. I just saw it in blockbuster while looking for something else and thought oh a new straight to DVD black movie, I better check that out. Wow! I was impressed. Certainly, not the best movie of all time but it was definitely ahead of its time and also expanding on an idea from a past movie. Here is what I mean: 1) Movie reminds me of scene from Coming to America where Eddie and Arsenio's characters interview different ladies for marriage 2) Kinda reminds me of Will Smith's movie Hitch because Will lied about his occupation just like Keith, etc, etc. 3) 30 dates in 30 days hmmmm. I think fox had a series based on the guy that did the experiment surviving on eating McDonald's only for 30days.

I'm sure there is more since no movie is really "original" but I think it is interesting that this movie contains all those same elements from the movies/TV shows I mentioned.

Independent Filmmaking Rocks!

[jgoldner · 7/10 · 10 April 1999]

"Personals" will forever be considered the indie version of "20 dates," the recently released mockumentary. But it's much, much better. Stacy Dash is terrific as always. The photography and editing are representative of the indie style this was produced under, but they support the narrative nicely. Definitely worth a look.

Why doesn't anybody know how good this movie is?

[shareem · 8/10 · 19 March 2000]

A small, independent film, it's about a writer who spends more time womanizing than writing (Yoba, at his best), so he decides to write about that. His article--30 women in 30 days--is based on research in Personals ads. The movie's a kind of screwball comedy with a soul and brains. The succession of women he meets are all dressed to get laid, and all but one or two(esp. Dash, with a lot of exposed flesh) are strictly played for laughs. The comedy is real, to-the-point stuff, but peppered with pithy, truth-telling dialogue (bravo, Mike Sargent). Unfortunately, Yoba's best friend's wife is the only female who comes off as a fully realized character.

An amusing and lighthearted film

[kalesaves · 8/10 · 21 January 2016]

I truly enjoyed this film. It is funny and has many outstanding performances. The story has an engaging flow and entertains to the end. Malik Yoba created a likable/relatable leading man, navigating the absurdities of blind dating. Jim Gaffigan glues this movie together with his consistently hilarious performances throughout the film, as a waiter with much to say without saying a word. This comedy is more farce than romance, so the characters are often exaggerated for effect. The director's use of stereotypes provided a mirror backdrop, off of which the main character self reflects. I took two stars off for Stacy Dash, because although billed as a lead, she isn't in much of the film and doesn't add much to it when she is. The film is worth seeing for the array of comedic performances provided by the "dates" and the way each one made Yoba's character look at how he judges others, and doesn't pay enough attention to himself. This film is amusing and thought provoking without being heavy.

Entertaining!

[Banterking625 · 10/10 · 4 January 2007]

I love this movie. It's a very fun movie to watch. Although Keith (Malik Yoba) is a womanizing jerk, I felt it was a good change of pace for Yoba from the responsible on top of things characters he usually plays. Point being even though I didn't like the actions of his character for the most part, I felt Yoba did a great job with the role. His friend Mick was hilarious. Stacy Dash was OK in this movie. Despite admiring Keith's effort to win over Leah (Dash), I just felt Dash seemed too much like a robot. The dates Keith went on were entertaining but none of the women really caught my eye except for Veronica (Delilah Cotto). Her wardrobe was killer and she seemed very promiscuous however very sweet and loyal. Cotto is the main reason why I really like this movie. Too bad Keith screwed that one up. Personally I would have went for Veronica over Leah. Cotto seemed more lively in her performance than Dash was in her performance. This movie is very entertaining and the comedy is fresh. Not that same boring shtick you see in Jim Carrey movies. A must see for people who want to see something new and interesting!