In the movie “Just Wright,” Queen Latifah plays the role of Leslie Wright, a hard-working physical therapist who's looking for love. She finds it in an unlikely choice, a charming NBA star named Scott McKnight (rapper-actor Common).

The pair meet by chance when Wright, who is a McKnight fan, runs into the famous baller at a New York gas station. He invites her to a party, and she is immediately smitten.

A few days later, when Wright attends the party, she takes her girlfriend Morgan, an attractive gold-digger played by actress Paula Patton (Precious). Not surprisingly, McKnight chooses Morgan over her full-figured friend.

The plot turns when McKnight suffers a career-threatening injury and, at the suggestion of Morgan, Wright steps in to help rehabilitate the player’s wounded knee.

We won’t tell all the twists and turns, but needless to say the outcome is predictable. Along the way, Wright and Morgan must wrestle with issues of friendship and jealously.

As a first-time leading man, Common, who played smaller roles in “Smokin' Aces,” “American Gangster” and “Street Kings,” was a little stiff and unbelievable as a basketball player. He grew on me as the film went along, but there was never enough depth to his the character, who at times seemed aloof. I wanted to see more emotion from him early on, especially given all the ups and downs his character had to endure.

Latifah shines as a supportive "home-girl" -- a role we've seen her in before -- think "Bringing Down the House" and "Taxi.” She's intelligent, funny and has a generous heart. Her confidence as a seasoned actress allows her to shine in any role she chooses.

There is nothing uniquely different about this feel-good, romantic comedy. The storyline is cute but predictable. I liked the central theme: If you work hard and believe in yourself you can achieve anything. It’s what makes the movie worth watching.

The film also stars Pam Grier, Phylicia Rashad and James Pickens Jr.

I’d suggest it as a good date film. It’s also suitable for children.

“Just Wright” opens in theaters Friday, May 15, and is rated PG.
 

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement