What exactly is a "love jones?" one might ask. Is it a sexy, butt-kicking blaxploitation character somewhere in Pam Grier's repertoire? Is it a tingly sensation down below that causes women to cross their legs and men to drool like Saint Bernards? Is it the undeniable realization that smacks you upside the head when you know you're in love?
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Love Jones At Showcase |
You also could've said that "Love Jones" is one hell of a screen romance, and you'd be met with little opposition.
Written and directed by newcomer Theodore Witcher, "Love Jones" is a superb sexed-up, jazzed-up cinematic love poem that is kept heated by the electric charms of leads Nia Long and Larenz Tate.
Portraying lust-to-love among the educated and artistic in downtown Chicago, "Love Jones" is a refreshing, realistic break from the oozing sentiment and declining intelligence of most romantic comedies and also a break from films with entirely African American films that overuse the phrase "the hood" and/or star a Wayans brother.
Focusing on young, smart, attractive struggling photographer Nina Mosley (Nia Long) and young, smart, attractive struggling writer Darius Lovehall and their respective circle of friends, the "get together, fall apart, start over" plot of "Love Jones" is somewhat less than innovative. But just as in a great jazz cover, Witcher and cast take that same old break-up, make-up song and inject new verve and style into it.
Using the spoken jazz and poetry scene as a backdrop, the film opens as Nina is rapidly becoming a cynic following her merciless dumping at the hands of her fiancee Marvin (Khalil Kain). Meanwhile, Darius is about to quit his thankless publication job to write his first novel.
Nina's plans of cynicism and Darius' novel plans get a little sidetracked when they meet each other at a poetry bar. We know, as they do, when they meet where this vibrant couple is headed - it's getting there that makes this romance retread worthwhile.
After letting herself be seduced on the first date and several subsequent dates, Nina believes that she and Darius are just kickin' it, with no commitments to speak of. That changes when Marvin comes back into the picture, asking Nina to give their love another try in New York.
Realizing their respective love jones after many complications in the forms of another woman and MTV's Bill Bellamy (as Darius' competitive friend Hollywood), the pair reunites briefly, romantically and memorably until the issue of trust surfaces. Nina and Darius then split with harsh words and hard feelings that make the inevitable conclusion all the more poignant and fulfilling - reunited and it feels so good, so to speak.
Marked by believable and lovable lead characters, strong performances, great sex and great music, "Love Jones" is a glamorous, fabulous and lyrical film; its only fault is its underdevelopment of its supporting characters.
So enthralled, and rightfully so, with its two leads, the film opts to use its outstanding supporting cast, including "ER" regular Lisa Nicole Carson; Spike Lee discovery Isaiah Washington; and erstwhile VJ Bellamy as set design and plot elements with fleeting glimpses of a personal life instead of the three-dimensional people we can love and believe in.
Since he issues the majority of his cast, Witcher must rely on Long and Tate to carry the film, a task which the pair pulls off remarkably well.
Both veterans of numerous "hood" films, Long, all soft features and skepticism, and Tate, all charm and confusion, excel in their roles as individual artists and compromised lovers.
Their chemistry is undeniable - whether making breakfast, using photography as foreplay, ballroom dancing or doing the horizontal mambo, you can't help but fall in love right along with them.
"Love Jones" is just as technically proficient as it is romantically and emotionally enthralling, with first-time director Witcher creating a lush portrait of young black love, first-time writer Witcher creating witty dialogue and expertly crafted characters, and cinematographer Ernest Holzman creating such unforgettable sequences as the wrenching train scene and that bittersweet rain-soaked finale.
A rhythmic, funny and highly sensual love story, "Love Jones" is one romantic quasi-comedy that will satisfy your cravings for one true love, on the screen, that is.
And true love is definitely a jones you can't deny.
Nia Long and Larenz Tate have a smiling chat in "Love Jones."