ciocio-2 I'd actually give this movie almost eight stars, if possible, not because it's so terribly fabulous (though I do think it's good--just don't want to over-inflate my ratings), but because it manages impressively much with the small budget it had. Also, I really enjoyed most of the actors in it, and would seek out other performances they do. If you like somewhat off-beat, character-driven comedies, then go in without huge expectations but with an open mind, and you'll probably be glad to have seen this.I missed the very first few minutes (caught this by chance on the Starz "black" movie channel late at night), and the first few moments I saw seemed mildly unpromising, but with enough feeling of something to come, and potential in the characters to keep me watching. It was the first moment of magic realism (when Jasmine opens Michael's portfolio) that quickly sharpened my interest. There were further moments of such fantasy judiciously sprinkled through the movie, without heavy-handed explanation or drawing attention--just there, with the writer-director trusting audience members to not need spoon-feeding. Mostly, the characters' normal, human problems, joys and such carry the movie nicely.There may be some validity to others' criticisms regarding stereotypes, but, if so, I think it's not nearly so heavy a problem as some make it out to be. Certainly, there's less of that in this than in many other movies. Also, some of the aspects and situations that have been cited as stereotyped or clichéd are perhaps simply universal, or just common and true to real life. To me, it's all in what a filmmaker does with such commonplaces, how he/she uses them, and Mr. Sutherland keeps it mostly interesting and fresh.Anyway, especially for a small-budget first feature film, this is pretty damned good work, and worth watching for a bit of character-driven fun.

Jawsphobia Pleasantly surprised and a little jealous. There is nothing cloying or PC about this movie. It is totally entertaining and manages to be both blatantly Toronto-set and immediately identifiable to Anywhere, USA. The actors are well served and the apparently writing is quite funny. The directing and editing have style without any loss of the emotional arcs involved. Definitely for the young audience of early Kevin Smith. It means that some of us have to work a little harder on scripts that touch on similar subject matter. I have to admit it is good, although the title might have put off a few people - it is the only element that may be too arty for its intended audience. I especially like the skateboarder scene, and I am not a fan of skateboards. (It's not showing off skateboarding skill, it's the context; very true of those of us in Michael's profession too.)

ali_ali_aii Aside from Ed Robertson's performance this movie had absolutely nothing new to offer. It was a cheap version of African American projects like 'LoveJones' with some American Pie-type humour. There was no real depth to the characters and the script was just weak. If you want formulaic blandness check this film out.You see some folks seem to think that audiences REALLY want to be reminded that men only think about sex, Black men try almost anything to get a woman and ditzy blonde women really want Black men. This film needed a big dose of Dan Savage -why couldn't jasmine orally pleasure hill harper? why is the film so heteronormative? Why did it need to rely on imported African American caricatures (professional Black woman - check; gold digger out for a loaded man - check; 'artsy' Black man who is troubled but has talent to show the world if only he'd be given a break by the SYSTEM - check; hypersexual black females in beauty salon - check; Jamaican caricatures - check)? If Toronto wants to avoid celebrating mediocrity it needs to challenge complacent artists that think they can just roll out American cliches with some Scarborough flava and Haitian tokens.

heydere2 Truthfully, i was expecting the worse when i attended a screening of this movie last Thursday (Jan 22, 2004 at Canada Square Cinemas in Toronto). But, what i received was a gut-breaking-laugh-fest.I LOVED IT!!This is the way more Canadian films should be...smart, sexy, and funny as hell.I don't want to give too much away, but as the director said, "this is a film for people who like to kiss."Highly, highly, highly recommend.Also, if you are a Barenaked Ladies fan, Ed Robertson is also a great actor. Be sure to check it out!