The Perfect Guy, starring Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut, and Michael Ealy, is predictable, but not as predictable as one would assume. You can expect the love, the breakup, the heartache, the occasional stalking, and even the irrational acts of violence. But, the movie’s turbulent twists and timely turns leaves a little wiggle room for the imagination.
The movie is about a successfully lobbyist, Leah Vaughn (Lathan), who is longing to be married with kids. But, her love life gets slightly crazy when one ex (Ealy) just can’t let go.
Michael Ealy wasn’t the only thing that had to be fought of this weekend. “The Perfect Guy” also went to war with “The Visit” in this weekend’s box office to take the number one spot. Neck and neck all weekend, “The Perfect Guy” grossed about $26.7 million in its debut, while “The Visit” came in close with an estimated $25.7 million.
This romantic thriller has the revengeful intensity of “Enough” (2002), the unwanted chemistry of “Obsessed” (2009), and the utter madness of “No Good Deed” (2014). Michael Ealy took crazy to a whole new level, making even character Kathy Bathes’ character in “Misery” (1990) look like Pee-wee Herman.
Lathan and Ealy did more than light up the big screen with their deadly romance, both actors serve as executive producers for the movie. Despite the long, awkward moments, the film is a something for both stars to proudly place on their resumes. The movie was a lot better than expected.
Sanaa Lathan, even in “Love and Basketball” (2000) and “Brown Sugar” (2002), is sexy, soft, and sultry. The 43-year-old always gets the unmarried, comfortable, and searching-for-love roles. I am patiently waiting for her breakout role; a movie to set her apart from all other actresses.
Taraji P. Henson had “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008). Viola Davis had “The Help” (2011). Halle Berry had “Monster’s Ball” (2001). What’s Sanaa’s pivotal role? Because, I don’t think we’ve seen it yet.
Coincidentally, “The Perfect Guy” reminds me of my small share of stalkers. Often times I am forced to block a few nut jobs on Instagram or change my cell phone number. I pray that this movie’s scenario never becomes a reality for me.
This movie review is an opportunity for a long overdue public service announcement. At no point in time is it acceptable to talk during a movie. For the first time, I visited the new Cinemark Theater in Monroeville Mall to catch “The Perfect Guy”. From yelling at the screen to random outburst of unwarranted ad libs, the majority of the audience did not stop talking.
Talking out loud during a movie is discourteous and rude, and not to mention, a complete disservice to the quiet movie goers. The movie theater experience does not require two-way communication. The theatre displays movies for our personal consumption, and we sit quietly to watch those movies. It’s that simple.
3 STARS
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