Queen Latifah and Common, two of hip hop’s shining stars, team up to deliver a cute performance in a revamped ‘Love and Basketball’ story.
In the movie Just Wright, Queen Latifah plays Leslie Wright, a straight-shooting, down-to-earth physical therapist. Leslie is a Jersey girl who drives around in a beat up Mustang, loves b-ball, is a die-heart fan of the New Jersey Nets, and lives with her childhood friend Morgan (Paula Patton), who aspires to be an NBA trophy wife.
Unlike her gold-digging friend Morgan — who uses a flow chart to decipher the how, where and when in catching and marrying an NBA player — Leslie is trying to find ‘Mr. Right’ but seems to always end up being just a friend.
After a chance meeting with New Jersey Nets forward Scott McKnight, Leslie lands an invite to an exclusive party at the NBA player’s home. With her opportunistic friend in tow, she attends and is greeted optimistically by the all-star athlete. But, predictably so, he instantly falls for the svelte, modelesque Morgan.
When Scott is injured, his career is on the line and Leslie gets the role of a lifetime when she is drafted as his physical therapist.
There are many cliches in this film, but that doesn’t stop it from being a delight to watch. The storyline is charming, the dialogue funny, and the acting well done. Veteran actors James Pickens Jr., Pam Grier, and Phylicia Rashad make a great supporting cast.
James Pickens Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy) and Pam Grier (Foxy Brown) play Leslie’s protective dad and overbearing mother. Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show) takes the role of Scott’s nurturing mother.
And, for you basketball fans, expect to see cameos of NBA players.
Stills from “Just Wright”
Common in a game scene as Jersey Nets’ player Scott Mcknight. Paula Patton as Morgan, Queen Latifah as Leslie Wright, and Common as Scott McKnight in a scene at McKnight’s home.
Release: May 14
Starring: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashad, Pam Grier, and James Pickens Jr.
Directing: Sanaa Hamri
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min.
NEW YORK CITY MOVIE PREMIER
The celebs strut the red carpet in style.
Queen Latifah
Common
Phylicia Rashad and daughter Condola
James Pickens Jr.
Nick Cannon
Dwayne Wade
Laz Alonso
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
i just thought that queen latifah is one of the best comedians out there, she is really funny ‘.-
i like the voice of queen latifah, it has a mellow sounding stuff in it. **’
Queen Latifah is both a great singer and actress, i love this girl.”`”