Raising a laugh

There are some movies that are so good, they’ve got to make them twice … or three times in the case of About Last Night.

The 1986 version of this movie, that bears the same name, was based on a 1974 play, about the dumb choices people make in the heat of the moment and the mornings filled with regret.

Using this as the basis for the movie, you would expect this remake to allow for the filmmaker to put a different spin on the story and discover a new appreciation of the classic … I mean it is the third time around.

However, director Steve Pink leaves it pretty much the same … but this time around its 2014, it’s funnier and it’s surprisingly realistic, unlike most recent 1980s remakes (I’m talking RoboCop).

Of course, there are changes, but the storyline has been left untouched, allowing fans of the original to hold back on the negative criticism. I mean the four leads are African American, there’s more explicit and R-rated material and the acting is somewhat less sappy, but it’s more or less the same movie.

I genuinely enjoyed this movie and had my moments where I tried to hold my laughter back. Kevin Hart has just come off of the heels of Ride Along, which although was funny, didn’t show off his quirky comedy and felt forced.

About Last Night definitely allows Hart to take full advantage and come off his leash. As a fan, I was not left disappointed. Using slapstick comedy to bring in the laughs is what Hart works best with. He definitely leads one of his most significant roles yet.

Like its predecessor, About Last Night focuses on the romance, the turmoil and difficulties in relationships between two couples.

The movie follows best friends and co-workers Danny (Michael Ealy) and Bernie (Hart) who both become romantically involved with roommates Debbie (Joy Bryant) and Joan (Regina Hall).

When Bernie meets Joan at a bar and ignites a spark, it inadvertently results in chemistry between Danny and Debbie, who both have come out of relationships.

Bernie is immediately seen as the guy who is all about ‘scoring’ women, whereas Danny is focused on finding someone to build a life with that will last more than just one night.

However, the film focuses mainly on the couples negotiating the pivotal moments in their relationship like when to say ‘I love you’ or when to move in together, but it’s the non-stop banter and foul-mouthed narrative that keeps the audience interested.

There are also the challenges they face with their careers and how it can be seen as a factor that will put stress on the relationship, but this movie keeps you rooting for the couples … basically Pink wants the viewers to follow the journey these couples go on from being a one-night-stand to a full-on relationship.

The funniest moments come from the chemistry between Bernie and Joan. They have most of the ups-and-downs in their relationship and give viewers ironic milestones in their romance as opposed to Danny and Debbie, who are more serious and staid. Like I said earlier, this is the perfect role for Hart and he steals the show completely. His motor-mouth and quirky habits fit his character like a glove.

Ealy also does a great job. His effortless charm will draw all the female viewers in. His portrayal as Danny was very believable, unlike many predictable love stories where the lead tends to provoke many eye-rolls on my behalf. His chemistry with Joy Bryant produced genuine moments, allowing them both to show their true talents.

Hall is hilarious. As a Hart-Hall duo, they were perfect. Her character was a cliché but she did the most with what she was given. She works best with crazy anyway!

This movie may not be as amazing as fans would have hoped, but it was definitely enjoyable. It pays homage to its predecessor and casts an ensemble of excellent actors to do it. It may have very little to separate itself from other rom-coms, but it will definitely make you laugh.

* Showing in Cineco, Seef I, Saar Cineplex