In his third film to open in as many months, comedian-turned-actor Kevin Hart is riding his wave as the reigning “it” black guy in Hollywood. And in his latest film, “About Last Night,” audiences catch a glimpse of why he charmed his way to the top.
It’s an urbanized remake of Edward Zwick’s 1986 film that was adapted from the 1974 David Mamet play of the same name. Zwick’s movie, starring Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins, was a rogue romantic comedy about the bumps, bruises, broken hearts and healing of an average relationship.
The urban remake, written by Leslye Headland and directed by Steve Pink,
also stars Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant and Regina Hall as young black professionals going through the motions of dating in quest of life partners and/or the fulfillment of physical needs.
“About Last Night” – with language and sexual situations that could make Eddie Murphy blush – was not revised with the prudes in mind. But the foul language and adult themes are right in line with the hookup generation of the 21st century.
Pink and Headland deserve a standing ovation for making 40-year-old content fresh, fun and entertaining, from start to finish, for an entirely new audience.
The characters have an authenticity – they are successful, but not to the point where their achievements are impossible to believe; they are attractive, but flawed.
And unlike most films that either side with the man or the women, “About Last Night” presents a storyline that both single black males and single black females can connect with. No one is being rescued or dogged, and there is no race to the altar.
The natural chemistry of the cast succeeds in delivering a slice of cinematic life relatable to generations X and Y. Bryant and Ealy play it straight as Debbie and Danny, but Hall and Hart leave no slapstick or situation comedy stone unturned as Joan and Bernie.
And while Hart is known for his comic relief at all costs, the usually sassy Hall meets him laugh for laugh, even upstaging him a time or two. They carry on in a way that keeps the film light and balanced when things get heavy during the downward spiral of what starts out as the perfect romance.
Hall even manages to push Hart outside the confines of his physical comedy comfort zone. Audiences will find most of the laugh-out-loud moments in their banter, rather than Hart stealing scenes from the rest of the ensemble.
“About Last Night” is a well-written, well-acted film with relevant themes and realistic characters that manages to allow Hart to finally live up to his hype.
About Last night opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, February 14. The film is rated R with a running time of 100 minutes.
