February is here,which means it is mid-winter quarter and things are dragging on. But, February is also Black History Month! To help brighten your gloomy winter days, and to celebrate Black History Month, check out these Romantic Comedies starring Black casts!
Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
Deliver Us From Eva stars Gabrielle Union in her second Shakespearen-Film adaptation of “Taming of the Shrew ”. Union plays a stubborn, uptight woman, Eva, who holds a strong bond between her three sisters. However, this bond Eva shares with her sisters has led to tension between her brother in-laws (Duane Martin, Mel Jackson, Dartanyan Edmonds) and herself. Soon into the film, the audience finds out the brother in-laws are desperate to get rid of Eva. So, the brothers pay slick and confident Ray (LL Cool J) to date Eva in hopes of eventually tricking her to move out of state. The film follows the swells of the different relationship dynamics between characters and the toppling lies that seem to never stop building. Gabrielle Union and LL Cool J’s chemistry will have you cheering for their happiness and the rest of the cast’s comedic timing will have you laughing along the way.
Currently Available to Stream on: Peacock
Just Wright (2010)
What would a rom-com list be if none were set in New York City? Or at least, close enough to New York City. Just Wright follows New Jersey native, psychical therapist, and baseball fanatic Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) and her whirlwind story of falling in love with New Jersey Nets basketball player Scott McKnight (Common). Leslie Wright has gone her whole life being seen as simply “such a good friend” by men while her good friend and god-sister, Morgan (Paula Patton) has men lining up around the block for a chance with her. Post Nets game, Wright sits at a gas station waiting for her car to fill up when none other than Scott McKnight pulls up and doesn’t know how to open the gas tank on his new car. Leslie lends a hand and the two have an instant connection. Flash forward, McKnight and Morgan, Leslie’s godsister, are engaged. But shortly McKnight suffers an injury that threatens the future of his career! Leslie offers to move in and help restore McKnight to get him back to playing on the court ASAP. But will he be ready in time for the championship? What will happen to this strain on Scott and Morgan’s engagement? What about the unspoken chemistry between Leslie and Scott? Check out Just Wright and find out!
Currently Available to Stream on: MAX
Rye Lane (2023)
Raine Allen-Miller’s directorial debut Rye Lane is a perfect example that good modern romantic comedies can and do exist. Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), both reeling from breakups, humorously meet at a mutual friend’s art exposition. The two later run into each other at the Rye Lane Market and spend the rest of the day getting to know each other. The pair pretend to be a couple to make Dom’s ex jealous, break into Yas’s ex apartment to steal back her beloved “The Low End Theory” vinyl, and create more mischief around South London. Throughout the course of the exhilarating day, the duo’s relationship sprouts from strangers, to accomplices, to friends, and maybe to something more. By the end of the film the witty banter, comedic storyline, brilliant actors, and everything in between, leaves Rye Lane’s audience ready to rewatch it all over again.
Currently Available to Stream on: Hulu
These are just a few that I’ve seen this month. For more, check out Love & Basketball, Brown Sugar, The Best Man, and Think Like a Man.