Movie Information
Release Date: June 20, 2014
Director: Tim Story
Writer: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman
Cast: Adam Brody, Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Dennis Haysbert, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Jenkins, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union, David Walton, La La Anthony, Caleel Harris.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 106 minutes
Production Company: Screen Gems, Will Packer Productions
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: USA
Director Tim Story’s track record is a little all over the place, but in this case he did deliver quality. There are some elements from the first film that are definitely missing from the second, and depending on what you’re looking for that may be a positive. It didn’t make much of a difference in my opinion because the story moves along with the next chapter in everyone’s life. It leaves somewhat of a fresh take on the property than what usually turns out to be nothing more than a cash grab (not that I could blame them). While some audiences went in the first time around for an hour and a half of laughs and the other a perspective on the opposite sex, the sequel here still manages to serve both parties without all the unnecessary fluff. While not taking itself too seriously, it leaves a considerable amount of space for the comedy. I was even quite surprised by the ending, seeing that most films in this genre tend to have the predictable fallout/make up session 25 minutes before the credits role. Fortunately this time we get something new. While expectations were kept low, Think Like a Man Too delivered everything it promised in its marketing, and might encourage audience members multiple views in the future. Things start off as they normally would with our main star Cedric (Kevin Hart) narrating, picking up in one of the Live Entertainment Capitals of the World. While this is not a surprise, Kevin Hart’s character steals the show. Previously some may consider him a hit or miss, but this time around it’s clear this is what he was born to do. On top of that, I really feel that all the cast were acting out themselves for reasons of their relationships seeming so genuine. It could also be great acting. Immediately you’re drawn in with the beautiful returning cast as every positive emotion runs through their blood. With such a large cast, Tim Story does a great job deciding on which characters to focus on separately to continue the story of its predecessor. Then brings the plot back in a group setting to avoid fatigue through multiple introductions. The way it’s all paced feels like the 2012 film hit yesterday as everything flows smoothly and is in the perfect position. So once everyone is settled in we get to see how much they matured since the last time. It’s a pleasure to see as temptation is on the horizon, but one must be careful of being caught by the significant other who may be lurking around the corner. With these mishaps coming up, some personalities start to clash which in return begins to dish out the laughs. While not hysterical they’re constant and keeps stride with everything prior. This sets up the main plot of the film and I didn’t stop laughing from then on. When it comes down to the comedy, the highest point would be in the 2nd act. As men and women are competing with each other for the record holder of “The Best Bachelor/Bachelorette Party” the night before the big day, the peak is a bit out of place but it doesn’t matter. At this point one should be enjoying the ride even if the film wants to make a hard left turn. It literally felt like someone just said have fun on the camera, and we’ll see what happens. I enjoyed every minute of it. While I thought I had a second or two to breathe from laughing you get hit harder with more jokes and clever edit cuts that take advantage of some cast members size. At this point you’re getting everyone you wanted from the film that is the fun time imaging you’re in Vegas. Going back to the narration of the film, this is where it starts to falter. It was great in the beginning but suddenly starts to become a distraction. Though when it does other subplots begin to develop which adds even more to the whole story, and keeps you laughing. Even when it comes to the end I was a little surprised with how things were handled. Usually there’s a character from a distance that finds out a certain truth about the other then grips on why they didn’t receive the news earlier. Or another, misreading a friendly hug for infidelity, and then goes off moping around in a corner. I want say that was entirely absent, but when addressed it doesn’t linger on and is concluded fast so you’re not saying to yourself, “I’ve seen this 100 times before”. It was a fresh idea that came full circle that I didn’t expect or couldn’t even predict. So no complaints there. All in all Think Like a Man Too is decent enough for home video purchase, and I could see myself watching the feature multiple times, even if playing in the background during a small get together. The story flows well not being complicated, and the audience will get exactly what they came in for. This is no record breaker or game changer in comedy, but it does deserve a worthy nod. If you don’t take the film too seriously and want to see people act out on screen, while having the occasional drink you’ll have a great time. It’s well paced, shot well, I recommend you go see, and it possibly warrants another sequel even if they use the same formula as they did here.
