‘Not Easily Broken’ Review
LADIES & GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO WACKY WAYNE’S MOVIE REVIEWS! featuring the Mad Critic
Ratings Scale: 1=find a new career, 2=not too shabby, 3=chic flic, and 4=pretty damn special
Not Easily Broken (starring Morris Chestnut & Taraji Henson) Reviewed by Wayne “Mad Critic” Hodges – Ever been stuck in a bad marriage? Are you currently in love with your physical therapist? Do you have a mother-in-law who refuses to shut the hell up? If so, you should have little trouble relating to Dave Johnson’s miserable situation in T.D. Jakes’ new feature “Not Easily Broken.” The plot’s simpler than ‘Green Eggs & Ham.’ Dave Johnson (Morris Chestnut) and his “What have you done for me lately?” wife, Clarice (Taraji Henson) appear to have it all. The couple own a nice suburban home. And Clarice, despite a nasty attitude, has a very promising career in real estate.
Yes, the Johnson’s have moved on up like “George & Weezy.” Heck, the only thing missing was a lazy maid named ‘Florence.’ So, what is Dave’s career you ask? The destitute rascal volunteers full-time as a parks & recreation baseball coach. That’s right! The boy’s broker than Gary Coleman and Jimmie Walker combined. Now, I find it annoying these producers are completely hell-bent on shoving the “wealthy woman loves broke man” theme down our throats. We’ve seen this story before in films such as ‘Titanic, Daddy’s Little Girls, and Knocked-Up.’ It’s tired. It’s redundant. And it’s just not realistic. But hey, I’ll be nice.
Before I proceed with the review. I have a few thoughts to share about Morris Chestnut. Since his “Pretty Ricky” role in John Singleton’s 1991 Hollywood production “Boyz in the Hood,” Chestnut has come a long way. The women seem to love this guy. And that’s always a plus. But, I’m not sure he can act a lick. Seriously, Chestnut seems to attract the same “confused lover” role each and every time. The same is true for actress Gabrielle Union. Hmm…maybe that’s why they appear in so many films together? That said, Chestnut is clearly on the rise. Now, let’s not kid ourselves. He’s certainly no Sidney Poitier or Denzel Washington. But Chestnut’s steadily improving nonetheless.
Okay, back to the review. While arguing in the car, the couple’s vehicle is blindsided by an idiot who inexplicably runs a red light; causing a serious leg injury for Clarice. In an effort to expedite rehab, Dave hires an attractive physical therapist (Maeve Quinlan) to look after his wife. Bad move! Ladies, please understand some guys are extremely faithful. But allowing a beautiful woman to lounge around the house for 6 months is equivalent to waving a juicy ear-lobe in front of Mike Tyson. Eventually, the gullible sucker will succumb to the temptation and take a bite. Clarice, for whatever reason, failed to recognize two important things: 1) her marriage was in the crapper, and 2) the therapist was all that and a bag of “Ruffles.” Add ‘em both together, and you have a gourmet recipe for infidelity stew.
God forbid, if anything were to happen to my lady; I would hire the ugliest, snag-a-tooth, beer-belly having, bad breath smelling, therapist in town. Call me insecure, but I wouldn’t take any chances. As for the annoying mother-in-law? I would’ve thrown her loud-mouth, cackling behind out in the street a long time ago. So, what’s my recommendation? If you’re looking for a little romance laced with a heaping helping of gospel; this film is certainly for you. Just remember this important little tip: never bring a beautiful woman into your home unless you want trouble. Score: 3
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the editor of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To see an exciting preview of “Not Easily Broken,” click the play arrow.
June 7th, 2009 at 10:45 am
This is funny!!! Great review. I really enjoyed this film. I have already watched it 3 times since i bought the DVD.
June 9th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Boy, you sick…