So I finally get my first big assignment for Wrestling with Pop Culture and I’m told to do this movie review. Being that I, myself, have superpowers beyond those of normal humans, I figured I would definitely be reviewing the new Thor movie. But no, someone who thinks he is more important had already taken on that responsibility, leaving me to review what looked to be a cheesy chick flick called Jumping the Broom, starring Paula Patton (that really hot chick most recently seen in last year’s Just Wright). Aside from the eye candy, I was dreading the inevitable religious propaganda that was sure to ensue since one of the film’s producers is megachurch minister-turned-Christian author Bishop T.D. Jakes (who also makes an extended cameo as Reverend James).

Once I got past the fact that I was going to a movie about God instead of the one about the God of Thunder, I was surprised to find that Jumping the Broom is less about moralizing and more about a cultural clash. And instead of that clash occurring because of ethnic or racial differences, it’s socioeconomic and cultural differences between a “ghetto” black family and a “bougie” African American family that cause problems. It’s somewhat refreshing to see a story that tackles such topics without falling back on stereotypes between one ethnic group and another.

Laz Alonso as Jason and Paula Patton as Sabrina in "Jumping the Broom"

Instead, these struggles take on a mostly comedic tone as Jason (Laz Alonso) brings his inner city family to the Martha’s Vineyard home of his bride-to-be (Patton). As preparations for the wedding move forward, tensions between the two families (namely the two mothers, played by Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine) escalate, making for some entertaining moments for the viewer. Eventually, however, these tensions eventually bring out long-hidden family secrets and reveal some dastardly character traits that are often misrepresented by some of the film’s more manipulative characters as God’s will. Though it does get a little heavy-handed with the prayer and forgiveness stuff towards the happily-ever-after Hollywood ending, Jumping the Broom, with it’s rich subplots carried out by a talented ensemble cast, ends up being a movie less about God and more about humanity and the foibles it entails.  

Worlds collide in "Jumping the Broom"

While many of you can probably relate to that, I don’t quite get it, being superhuman and all. And as much as I hate to admit it, this movie was actually much better than I had anticipated. Still, if I don’t get to share my thoughts on something with a little more testosterone next time, I may be forced to reveal some of my own godlike powers in order to get my way.

Jumping the Broom. Directed by Salim Akil. Starring Laz Alonso, Paula Patton, Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine. Rated PG-13. www.jumpingthebroom-movie.com.

Review by Flash Gorem