Love Jones (1997)

Waste of time

Pretty Good

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The reason I ever wanted to watch this movie was because Nia Long was on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and I never got around into seeing the movies she was involved in after the show. She really suited the role but to be honest in my opinion, I thought her character and Larenz Tates character went wayyyy too quick on each other. I would've preferred if both kinda took it slow. That way we wouldn't need to have issues with regards to both their exes and hiding them from each other. Seriously, that was a major turn off for me with this movie. At least that was the only complaint I had while watching this movie. Both Long and Tates were good at their performances. Also other characters were good too!Definitely recommend this movie if you're into romantic sloppy movies!

Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius' feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion.While the film received favorable critical reviews, the film was not a financial success but it remains a cult following because of its realistic characters and unorthodox take on the romance genre. It is also Theodore Witcher's only directorial work to date (2016). The producers of the film said that they wanted to make a modern film about African-American life that did not use violence and recreational drugs as elements in the story.I am not big on romantic stories, and I am not big on many so-called "black movies". But I think the folks behind this one did everything right. The idea to avoid drugs and violence was smart, because why should every movie featuring African-Americans reinforce the stereotype of the ghetto or criminal behavior? This just sets a bad example.However, "Love Jones" avoids that trap and makes it a deeper story about love, dating, and the difference between casual and serious relationships. On a personal note, I love the Chicago setting. As a midwesterner, very few movies are set in my area. Chicago is about as close as they ever come... so it is nice to see somewhere outside of LA and New York.

Late film critic Gene Siskel said that this movie shows how easy it is to make a movie. He was giving it a compliment even though now that might have been taken as an insult these days. Even though I didn't always agree with Gene Siskel, I agree with him here. Love Jones is a shining example of how a love story should be: realistic with real characters in real situations.The story chronicles the ups and downs of the relationship between Darius Lovehall(Larenz Tate) and Nina(Nia Long). Larenz Tate and Nia Long are more than just a beautiful couple on screen. These two actually have chemistry together. You can feel the vibe between these two whenever the are on screen and its fantastic.Bill Bellamy is pretty funny as the deceitful Wood and Lisa Nicole Carson is great as Nina's friend Simone. Isaiah Washington is just as great as Darius's close friend Savon and I sigh every time I see him in a movie. The guy is a great actor who never got any credit. I've seen performances from him(as well as Larenz Tate) that put some of Hollywood's best to shame. Follywood will never got over themselves.Love Jones is a wonderful love story full of interesting and likable characters that are in realistic situations that anybody that has been in love can relate too. You love these people because they are believable and are not portrayed as gangsters and tramps. Not one obscene stereotype can be found here. Contrast that with the Romance movies of today. Exactly. In closing if you love Black Cinema then you would do well to own a copy of this movie.

Love Jones is one of the best movies I've experienced. The main element that sticks out to me is the fact that it is very well-directed. I have studied this film in it's entirety - with watching movies more than once, certain things dawn on you subconsciously - the direction of this movie, as well as the writing, is chic, hip, and artful! I am in love with the direction. The scene where Larenz Tate and Nia Long are riding the motorcycle through north Chicago at night is astonishing. The director of this movie DESERVED awards for his great job.Love Jones is a classy and sexy film. It highlights the fact that we can be people who love, who have flaws, who love living, learning, and just being us without the hype. Being our Natural selves.The poetry is wonderful, but the story line, the dialog, and the scenes really make this movie.This movie deserves to be seen. It is a great movie for lovers and friends to sit back and watch, or, the hopeless romantic (like myself) to sit back and enjoy alone on a Friday or Saturday night. Any day of the week where peace, solitude, and a little entertainment is needed, Love Jones is what I recommend.