Its title sets itself up for criticism: “Something New offers nothing new.”
Every cliche-loving film critic in America will have a field day with that headline. True as that criticism may be, Sanaa Hamri’s directorial debut is still sure to prey on the hearts of its target audience – young females – this Valentine season.
Something New follows Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan, Love & Basketball), a black career woman with no time for love. She holds specific criteria for the “IBM” (“Ideal Black Man”) she wants to marry: “tall, educated, good teeth, not crazy.”
Her friends set her up on a blind date with a handsome landscape architect named Brian (Simon Baker, Land of the Dead), who just happens to be white. Even though she’s initially blinded by the racial difference, Kenya finds herself falling for the free-spirited gardener. Brian, with his golden retriever and his run-down truck, is nothing like Kenya’s ideal man, but he shows her there’s more to life than she considered.
As their relationship becomes public, Kenya grows uneasy with the disapproving stares of her friends and family. Her traditionalist mother (Alfre Woodard, Desperate Housewives) criticizes Kenya’s newfound expressiveness and pushes her to date a successful “IBM” named Mark, portrayed by Blair Underwood (TV’s L.A. Law).
Suddenly, Kenya is forced to reconsider what she really wants – the perfect man she always dreamed of or the exciting, interracial relationship that threatens to socially isolate her.
Ultimately, the decision is not about which man is right for her, but which lifestyle properly reflects her. Having been sheltered by her mother, Kenya was closed-minded to all things nontraditional. Through Brian, she discovers her true self and learns to defy social norms for the sake of her own happiness.
The plot is pretty well-worn territory: Girl meets boy; girl is not supposed to like boy; girl loses boy; love conquers all.
Still, Hamri puts an interesting spin on the old tale. The film defies the rule that interracial relationships be shown from the perspective of a white character. Something New dares to show a black community exhibiting racism. While Kenya complains of a white, condescending client at work, Brian faces prejudice from Kenya’s friends and neighbors. This balanced, honest view of racism is refreshing.
The film boasts some entertaining supporting characters, including Donald Faison (TV’s Scrubs) as Kenya’s womanizing younger brother, and Earl Billings (Antwone Fisher) as her quiet, supportive father. There is a touching scene in which Mr. McQueen advises his daughter to follow her heart at any cost. Yes, we’ve seen it a thousand times in romantic comedies, but it’s appropriate and sweet nonetheless.
One of the movie’s primary flaws is its limited demographic. These mushy romantic comedies typically only attract a female audience, and Something New’s racial commentary may further limit its appeal. But give it a chance – it has the potential to win over anyone. It even managed to elicit an “aww” or two from a Valentine’s Scrooge like myself.
Despite its formulaic plotline, Something New is a treat for fans of the genre. It provides all the necessary elements: romance, weddings, warm family moments and a cute dog. It’s not a brilliant movie, nor is it for everyone, but what it lacks in depth it makes up in heart. It may not be something new, but you are bound to find something you like.
Movie: Something New | Rating: PG 13 | Verdict: B-
Contact reporter Heather Seebach at seebachdbk@gmail.com.
