Ever wondered what a poorly written Jennifer Aniston type movie would be like with a cast of colorful yummy black men and a marginally cute chick as the lead? Yeah well, me either, but that's basically what you get in Baggage Claim.
Baggage Claim starring Paula Patton, aka Robin Thicke's high wifey, is about a flight attendant named Montana who's mother puts so much pressure on her to get married. With the help of her friends, they come up with this ridiculous plan to get a proposal before her younger sister's wedding by circumventing all flights that her former boyfriends are on to try and spark something new with each one. Montana eventually discovers what she really wants for herself and realizes her Mr. Right is closer than she thought. I know. I said it was ridiculous. I mean, are we really supposed to believe that an ex is going to propose after one brief meeting? Are we really supposed to believe that Paula Patton can carry a whole movie by herself?
With all the sexiness on the screen, this movie had potential. The first to grace our eyes is our favorite black german, Boris Kodjoe. We all know he's not the best actor, but who cares. That man is foine! He has limited lines and has a short stint on screen, but that's ok with me. At least we get to see him in his skivvies. Next we get the chocolaty Derek Luke, as William Wright, the next door neighbor and childhood friend dating Christina Milian's character, Taylor. Trey Songz is up next, and although his true sexuality is constantly questioned, he's sexiness is not. I was proud of his acting although his role wasn't a far stretch from his real life, but his scene made me laugh, and I loved seeing him all soaped up in the hot tube. Then there was that perfect smile from Taye Diggs. I didn't feel his character was much of a stretch from who he truly is. He played a republican running for Congress who loves being in control and loves his dog, Juicy, more than being a good human being. Diggs is nice to gaze upon, but I would never want to date him. Lastly, Djimon Hounsou is the seemingly perfect african suitor. He's handsome, wealthy, and wants to show Montana the world. He can show me whatever he likes. Ok!
Paula Patton is the huge problem with this movie. I don't see the appeal that the men see. She's kinda funny looking to me. I think her neck looks like she's a linebacker for the 49ers (Forever Faithful), and her weird facial expressions took away from some of her beauty. It didn't help that everyone in the movie had horrible make-up jobs. She also seemed to over act, and wasn't ever convincing. I found it sad that EVERYONE else acted better than she did, even the singers (Jill Scott, Trey, and Christina). This might explain why we haven't seen much of her over the years. She's just really not that good.
Jennifer Lewis is Montana's mom. I really wish she would play a different character for once. Lauren London is the little sister and Terrence J is her fiance. He has such a baby face that his character is only a sophomore in college. Nephew Tommy and LaLa Anthony round out this cast of color; both have very limited rolls and very few lines, like a total of 5. And, although the cast is semi-star studded and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments, Baggage Claim should be lost with all the luggage at the airport. It's too predictable and feels like something you've seen before and done better, so just catch the next flight.
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