How Stella Got Her Groove Back

The first time I saw this movie I wanted to immediately hop a plane to Jamaica! I don't think it was the "meet the man of my dreams" part, but the scenery. It was just breathtaking (although the men aren't too bad to look at either!). As for the story, it was a good distraction from typical reality, because, let's face it ladies, we believe that doesn't happen everyday (especially to ourselves). The soundtrack was another good part of the movie, I just loved it. This movie is the kind that gives you hope for true romantic love, but in this cynical day and age most people don't let themselves be pulled in, or fooled, by the seemingly unrealistic situation. For those of us with a little romance still left, this is a wonderful movie. For those without, I'm sorry. (These are my thoughts excluding the latest headlines, I don't want to spoil my original feeling toward the movie).

On the most part, I liked How Stella Got her Groove Back. It's got all the ingredients: Angela Bassett, another story by the author of 'Waiting To Exhale', Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg to add some humor to the mix. So what was it that made this movie less than perfect? The simple reason is, the movie runs far far too long. Ending after ending after ending is rolled out, and then when the final ending DOES come along, you're like waiting for the movie to continue, because the way the filmmakers chose to end this, IS somewhat lame and predictable. Irregardless of that, I'll see anything with Angela Bassett in it, and she does just fine in the title role. She plays the part almost as if it was a continuation of her role in 'Waiting To Exhale' (You're expecting Whitney Houston and Lela Rachon to pop out any moment.) And oh my god, where did they find Taye Diggs? He's yummy to look at, and his acting is pretty good too! All in all, very good, except for the length.

HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, in my opinion, is a charming romantic drama that will make you laugh, smile, and feel good. If you ask me, Stella (Angela Bassett) totally deserved the trip to Jamaica. In my opinion, the way she met Winston (Taye Diggs) was absolutely romantic. Despite the fact that he was twenty years her junior, I believe the way they met was romantic. In conclusion, I highly recommend this charming romantic drama that will make you laugh, smile, and feel good to any Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, or Whoopi Goldberg fan who hasn't seen it. You're in for lots of laughter, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.

I've heard of When Stella Got Her Groove Back, for years, but never until today checked it out. Stella, Angie Basset, is a day trader living in San Francisco. Stella has a child recently divorced, but is convinced to take a trip, We go to Jamaica where a 20 year old man has the hots for Stella, she is not sure at first. They do a one night stand, thinking this will be the last we see of each other; Winston calls Stella at home asking for her to come back, and I miss you. Throughout the film, both sides of the family are skeptical of the age difference until they see how much Winston and Stella care about each other. Angie's and Whoopie's acting in this is just. Stellar! This is a great movie to make you feel better.

Angela Bassett ("Waiting to Exhale") is talented and buff as Stella, a single mother/career woman who's in need of a vacation. Stella decides to head for Jamaica with her best friend, Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg in a fine supporting role). Stella meets 20-year-old Winston (Taye Diggs). They fall in love, in-spite of Stella's emotional insecurities. Terry McMillan adapted from her novel based on her real-life experience. I hate to say this, but unlike "Waiting to Exhale," this overlong movie barely holds up to the book, because of too many plot holes and too many unnecessary characters. On the contrary, Diggs turns in an impressive performance as well. My evaluation: ** out of ****.