THINK LIKE A MAN TOO (2014)

Directed by: Tim Story 
Written By: Keith Merryman & David A. Newman 
Based on the book By: Steve Harvey 
Cinematography By: Christopher Duskin 
Editor: Peter S. Eliot 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Romany Malco, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Jenkins, Megan Goode, Gabrielle Union, Jerry Ferrera, Gary Owens, Adam Brody, Dennis Haysbert, Jenifer Lewis, Lala Vasquez, David Walton, Wendi McLenon-Covey, Janina Gavankar, George Wallace, Fonzworth Bentley, Jim Piddock, Chreryl Hines, Kelsey Grammer,


In the highly anticipated sequel, which was inspired by Steve Harvey's best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man, all the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.

While the first film had some Substance as it was working off a previously published book and addressed the many subjects of the book while investing it's own narrative and characters.

This sequel feels not only unoriginal but empty as it has nothing to inspire tone art substance. So that it feels basic in a mostly simple way. That goes through simple motions and doesn't provide anything new in the way of insight nor motivation.

I realize this is a film you watch more for fun and excitement rather than for skill and movie making critique, suck as themes and visual aesthetic.

Though it is funny, while most of the scenes are pretty basic run-throughs of simple scenes that whenever I feels like the film is slowing down or getting too serious results in a joke or cuts to actor Kevin hart to cut the monotony so to speak. I realize that he is the films MVP as he gets to do the most whole most of the rest of the ensemble is coupled up and stuck with their requisite storyline arc. As no one really adds to their characters development not dazzles with any acting other then what is required by them and the script. Though Kevin hart as always is the main attraction and provides star quality, energy, charisma and laughs to the film. That will certainly help prove I the world of his talent and is deserving Of being a comedy superstar.

It's a shame as the cast is filled with great actors. And seeing some of them muted feels like a waste. Like pieces of a puzzle instead of characters. As it feels like some are only here as they appeared in the original and get the barest of story lines that add nothing to the film. Especially Megan Goode and Romany Malco. Even Wendy Williams a welcome surprise in the last film. Here she is added to no real effect. In fact she feels wasted and weak.

Regina Hall makes an impression here as she has the most dramatic ark and makes her Character soulful and angelic. While also allowing her to use her comedic timing and energy that we have seen her do before in movies like SCARY MOVIE and ABOUT LAST NIGHT proving to be one of her strengths usually In her performances. That can accelerate films they she appears in. As she is hilarious usually. Here it is down to two scenes in which she gets to let loose. As well as being a bewitching beauty that attracts the eye and tends to sneak up on you as you watch her. While the film dials down her looks in the middle of scenes you can't help but admire her beauty.

While I constantly found myself smiling and having a good time while watching this film. This also reminding me how fun watching a film with an audience can sometimes be. Especially with a blockbuster as you are reminded how a crowd reaction can magnify sometimes the enjoyment of a scene and performances.

There is a nagging feeling at times that this film Added more than minority actors to fill out the cast this time around to make the film have even more of a crossover appeal. It doesn't hurt the film. Luckily it never feels out of place or awkward. Though it is noticeable.

While the film Maintains cameos like the last film did. The film tries to be more playful then strict and that might be because it really has nothing original not even interesting to say. Rather it goes through it's motions. It even weirdly breaks the fourth wall to add a coming from nowhere comedic sequence that plays ready for YouTube. That seems to be just a performance in a club, but plays like a music video. It's all in good fun bi thematically confusing. The editing is rapid a few too many times that can lead to confusion in a few scenes and seems I be a regular problem I tend to have with films directed by Tim story not with each film, but every once in awhile.

Grade: C-