Something New Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 02.12.2006
An unanticipated Valentine’s Day treat.
Kenya McQueen: Sanaa Lathan
Brian Kelly: Simon Baker
Mark Harper: Blair Underwood
Walter: Mike Epps
Nelson McQueen: Donald Faison
Joyce: Alfre Woodard
Suzette: Golden Brooks
Cheryl: Wendy Raquel Robinson
Neda: Taraji P. Henson
Edmond McQueen: Earl Billings
Directed by Sanaa Hamri
Release Date: January 29, 2006
Running Time: 99 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sexual references.
At first glance, one will see another sappy romantic comedy about interracial relationships, but Something New does indeed offer something new with fresh new faces in a competent Valentines Day love story that has delightful moments of laughter. In fact, Director Sanaa Hamri's debut film should not be described to others as a romantic-comedy or a chick flick, which is a term I have grown to resent, but as a fantastic date movie. The sincerity and compassion of the film will no doubt be a perfect movie for couples to curl up on the couch and watch.
Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan) is a workaholic, who has yet to find true love in her life because she is too picky when searching for the IBM or Ideal Black Man as her friends call it. The business side of life could not be better as Kenya is being observed by her boss to become a partner at the prominent accounting firm she works at. After spending Valentine's Day alone, she reluctantly agrees to a blind date with Brian Kelly (Simon Baker). Kenya is startled at the fact that Brian is white, and their date ends up being short lived. It turns out that Brian is a landscaping architect, and since Kenya needs some landscaping done, Brian shows up in her life more often than she first expected. Love ends up filling the air without warning when they share an intimate kiss. This throws Kenya's world into a whirlwind of confusion, especially when Mark (Blair Underwood) comes into the picture, who she has more in common with. Ultimately, she must decide what exactly she wants in a man.
As attractive as Sanaa Lathan is, her looks do not overwhelm the film as whole, or conceal the message that is being presented. Her performance demands attention because it is out of the norm and never a façade, unlike what most actresses would provide to the part. The concrete and cynical exterior she communicates at work is the same manner that she articulates to Brian, but he gazes deeper and has no trouble finding her inner splendor. Like most people, she has grown up with certain beliefs and attitudes from her mother and father, and rest assured her parents influenced her to date a black man and not a white man. With clever intensity and a heartfelt felt sense of emotion in her voice, Lathan exposes all the anxieties one would expect her to feel.
Stepping into an entirely different role is Simon Baker, who has been seen most recently around the horror genre with Land of the Dead and The Ring Two. His character, Brian, has experienced life to the fullest extent, and is dead set in his ways, regardless of what anyone else thinks about him. He incorporates the necessary good looks for the lady viewers, but the natural chemistry and fervor that Lathan and Baker possess together is what truly catches the eye.
Everything from regular conversation, arguments, and cuddling time is astonishingly realistic. This film deals with interracial relationships, but it supplies several subtle implications that all couples can relate to. The intricate and sensitive issues of interracial dating are discussed in a fashion I never thought possible in a film. The characters are given ample amounts of authenticity to work with from witnessing Kenya's strain as woman containing power over men at work to Brian being the sole white man at parties and friendly gatherings with Kenya.
This is not merely a look at how the parents view their daughters new Caucasian boyfriend, but how everyone around them reacts to the situation. This is a love story about how to be a successful couple by embracing the uncomfortable situations one encounters, and solving the problems like adults. It is has very little in common with the 1967 classic Guess Who's Coming to Dinner or last years atrocity Guess Who because it tackles the subject at a distinctive, yet appropriate and poignant angle. Something New illustrates that the similar films only encompassed a portion of the stress that these pairs cope with.
Director Sanna Hamri has mainly been involved with concert specials such as Prince Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas and Mariah Carey: Around the World. This was an exciting, yet unusual transition for the filmmaking newcomer. His bracing and delicate stroke is durable and satisfactory, considering the one blunder in the conclusion. As it confronts some serious matters with a heartwarming touch and pleasantly sporadic dabs of humor, it leaves with an experience that goes above and beyond just a romantic comedy or a chick flick.
The 411: I was surprised to like this film because I thought it would appeal to only certain audiences, but thankfully anyone will enjoy this thoroughly if they give it a chance. It doesn’t have to be another throw away “romantic-comedy.” Just like I’m telling my friends, if you feel like going to see a movie this weekend, avoid the crowded theaters of the new releases by sitting comfortably and watching a movie that is unique, cozy, and engaging.
