Movie Review - Just Wright

Directed by Sanaa Hamri (Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2), Just Wright is a romantic sports comedy that tells the story of Scott McKnight ( Lonnie Rashied Lynn, Jr., aka Common), a professional basketball player and Leslie Wright ( Queen Latifah), an unlucky-in-love physical therapist in New Jersey.

The two meet at a petrol station after a basketball game and Scott invites Leslie to his birthday party. Leslie shows up with her childhood friend Morgan (Paula Patton), who nurses ambitions of becoming a trophy wife. Sparks fly when Morgan and Scott meet and after a whirlwind affair, the two get engaged. Then Scott sustains a bad injury during an NBA All-Star Game that threatens to ruin his career. Morgan convinces Scott to get help from Leslie but she soon becomes insecure about rumours that Scott’s career could be short-lived unless he can recover in time for the playoffs. Leslie becomes close friends with Scott as she supervises his rehab and that complicates matters further. Does the relationship between Scott and Morgan have a happy ending or does Scott get attracted to Leslie? Does he recover from his injury?

Just Wright is an engaging watch, with a cleverly written, humorous plot and good performances. Queen Latifah does a good job (as always) as the well-meaning and good natured friend that men find sensitive and helpful but not ‘hot’. A tad formulaic, the plot of Just Wright relies on several clichés as it progresses and often reminds you of soap operas. However, the movie is entertaining to watch, due in large part to the on-screen chemistry between Latifah and Common.

You may well be able to predict how this film is going to end, but the genuine humour and affection between the characters of Scott and Leslie will keep you interested and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling as you leave the theatre. All in all, Just Wright isn’t the best romantic comedy in recent history, but it’s a charming, feel-good movie, perfect for that first date or a girls’ night out.