Something New
—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Current Films)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads
(Spoilers Included Throughout This Review)
The night I saw Something New (2/4/06) I was literally a phone call away from becoming a father for the first time. Seriously, I was sitting in the theatre waiting for my phone to vibrate to hear my wife on the other end telling me to come home… it’s time. I have to mention my wife and my (soon to arrive) first born son in my review because there are many major aspects of our lives that directly correlate with the issues presented in this film—one key aspect in particular.
You see, when my son Benjamin arrives on Planet Earth, his Godparents will be a white woman and her African American husband. Two of his “Aunties� (in parentheses because even though his mom doesn’t have sisters, she has friends whom she loves as sisters) are African American women. One is married to a Hispanic man and the other is married to a white man. All three women (godmother and aunties) were the bridesmaids at our wedding. My wife and I diligently encouraged them to open their hearts and give love a chance. All three of them never thought they’d ever find the love of their lives (as noted in the picture of my wife tossing the bouquet at our wedding reception—the three ladies intentionally stood over to the side with their hands clasped together trying to avoid the obvious!). In the preceding 5 ½ years, we have watched them find, date, and ultimately marry their true loves—all while enduring the same struggles that Kenya (Sanaa Lathan—turning in another good romantic comedy performance) and Brian (Simon Baker—holding his own as well) endure in this film.
Audiences who see Something New will find themselves laughing, smiling and snuggling close to their dates. They’ll also find some profound food for thought to chew on after the credits roll. When we meet the very successful accountant Kenya, she appears to have it all: cushy job—nice wheels—beautiful looks—freshly bought new house in a nice part of town. She indeed does have it all… almost. What’s missing in her equation, at least in her mind, is her IBM (Ideal Black Male) to fulfill the empty space in her heart. One of her coworkers gets the brilliant idea to set her up on a blind date. She reluctantly goes on it and they meet at Starbucks—particularly the Magic Johnson-owned Starbucks in LA. She wades through the “brothers� in the crowd when Brian introduces himself. Of course she’s caught off guard upon meeting him (guess why!) and tries to regain her composure by tossing comments at the other African American Starbucks patrons. Ultimately she chickens out on the date but, as good old fashioned Hollywood bred “fate� would have it, their paths cross again at an engagement party for Kenya’s coworker. It turns out that Brian is a landscape architect who designed the lavish backyard where the party is being held. It also turns out that Kenya’s new house has a backyard that looks more like a swamp. Guess who gets the job to transform said backyard from swamp to chic?
The rest is Hollywood romantic comedy history—with a few touches of flavor and profundity thrown into the mix. The swamp begins its transformation; Brian works late to “touch up� a few things; Kenya invites him to dinner; dinner leads to a hiking trip where they have their reluctant (aren’t they always!) first kiss which leads to the obligatory “this kiss means nothing� statement followed by the mad, passionate kiss starting in the hallway and finishing in the bedroom. It’s when the relationship kicks off that the story enters a road that is rarely depicted on screen.
With the exception of Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, I don’t recall seeing a film that boldly and deeply addresses the issue of interracial dating like Something New does. We are immediately presented with the ramifications—cultural, personal, and social… not to mention negative and positive—of Kenya’s decision to date Brian. Initially, she demands that they keep their relationship on the “down-low� (under wraps from potentially nosy friends and family) and at social functions, introduces Brian as her “friend� as opposed to her boyfriend. Her posse of girlfriends (Wendy Raquel Robinson, Golden Brooks, Taraji P. Henson) ultimately give Brian the thumbs-up. However, the new beau (Mike Epps—shockingly understated in this film in contrast to his other roles) of one of Kenya’s girlfriends takes every opportunity he can to give Brian a hard time in the form of Black/White jokes and thinly veiled threats.
On the positive side, Brian makes a critical observation regarding Kenya with the statement, “for once, I’d love to see you naked.� It sounds like something else, but it’s really a statement about Kenya’s appearance and self-image—which we later find is heavily influenced by her mother (Alfre Woodard—deliciously uppity!). Her father (Earl Billings) is a doctor and her mother pretty much had to look the part of a doctor’s wife. This includes enrolling Kenya in debutante balls against her will as well as influencing her physical appearance and the décor in her home. Brian’s statement, however, leads to a major transformation in Kenya’s life. Her attire becomes a bit more relaxed, the aforementioned swamp backyard turns into colorful and vibrant chic, and (perhaps clearing up a major myth and unveiling the best kept secret of some African American women), she gets her hair stylist to cut her hair extensions off in place of a curly, more natural hair style.
Ultimately, the internal struggle that Kenya has about dating a white man coupled with the struggles at her job that highlight the differences between blacks and whites in the professional and social realms (which, up to this point, they tried to ignore) leads to major conflict between them. In the midst of their conflict (and subsequent break up), Mr. IBM shows up in her life in the form of a tax attorney (Blair Underwood). Upon meeting him, Kenya agrees that he is indeed ideal: the total package, so to speak. However, Kenya discovers, even with “ideal� standing right before her, that real love is a decision that involves being true to yourself, breaking the bondage of social and cultural conformity and following your heart.
Needless to say, I can relate to Kenya’s struggle and discovery in my own life. There is a major rule of thumb that still exists in certain parts of African American society that views dating outside of our race as taboo and forbidden. We are encouraged to boldly pursue love and romance… as long as it’s with our fellow kinsmen. Countless times in my life, and in the lives of others, we were stressed of the importance of “Black folks staying together�—especially when it comes to love. Being “down with The Swirl� (slang for Black/White interracial dating—popularized by the poster for Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever where the hands of an African American man and a white Italian woman are intertwined and shot in extreme close up) was akin to treason, or “selling out" our race, our brothers and our sisters. I can still remember having a Hispanic girlfriend in high school and seeing a flock of African American girls staring at me in shock and (presumably) disgust as we walked down the street holding each other. We were taught that, no matter how slim the pickings were out there, we must hold out for that Ideal Black Man/Woman.
Jesus Christ broke down the barriers that separate us as Paul mentions in Galatians 3:28. Unfortunately, while American Christians of all races, creeds and colors acknowledge this statement and claim to abide by it, the unhealed/untreated wounds that have been inflicted and suffered by the people in this country still influence the ways that we view one another. We may not tell our true feelings to those who are different than us face to face, but behind closed doors and among our kinsmen, the ugly truth of what we really feel comes out—many times in spite of the faith we claim to hold on to. The views and statements that were made to me behind closed doors regarding white and other women outside of my race definitely influenced my dating choices as a teen and college student. Honestly, that sort of foolish thinking led to me spending many Saturday nights stuck at home watching 227, Golden Girls, T.J. Hooker and WWF Wrestling!
Years later, I have discovered as Kenya did that cultural stigmas and rules pale in comparison to true love. My wife is African American, but I didn’t just marry a Black woman. I married a woman… period. She is God’s best for me. When I look at my son's godmother and aunties, I see women who married men… period. Some of them had to go through the same struggles that Kenya and Brian did in this film. But they persevered through the struggles and surrendered themselves to love—as proudly colorblind as they could be! All three of them looked as happy on their wedding days as my wife and I looked on ours. Whenever I think of Something New—and as I watch this great movie in the years to come on DVD—I will always hold the thought of my son’s Aunties and Godmother deeply in my heart.
— Overview
PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FILM. COMMENTS THAT DO NOT PERTAIN TO THE FILM OR THIS REVIEW WILL BE DELETED.
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Current Films)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads
(Spoilers Included Throughout This Review)
The night I saw Something New (2/4/06) I was literally a phone call away from becoming a father for the first time. Seriously, I was sitting in the theatre waiting for my phone to vibrate to hear my wife on the other end telling me to come home… it’s time. I have to mention my wife and my (soon to arrive) first born son in my review because there are many major aspects of our lives that directly correlate with the issues presented in this film—one key aspect in particular.You see, when my son Benjamin arrives on Planet Earth, his Godparents will be a white woman and her African American husband. Two of his “Aunties� (in parentheses because even though his mom doesn’t have sisters, she has friends whom she loves as sisters) are African American women. One is married to a Hispanic man and the other is married to a white man. All three women (godmother and aunties) were the bridesmaids at our wedding. My wife and I diligently encouraged them to open their hearts and give love a chance. All three of them never thought they’d ever find the love of their lives (as noted in the picture of my wife tossing the bouquet at our wedding reception—the three ladies intentionally stood over to the side with their hands clasped together trying to avoid the obvious!). In the preceding 5 ½ years, we have watched them find, date, and ultimately marry their true loves—all while enduring the same struggles that Kenya (Sanaa Lathan—turning in another good romantic comedy performance) and Brian (Simon Baker—holding his own as well) endure in this film.
Audiences who see Something New will find themselves laughing, smiling and snuggling close to their dates. They’ll also find some profound food for thought to chew on after the credits roll. When we meet the very successful accountant Kenya, she appears to have it all: cushy job—nice wheels—beautiful looks—freshly bought new house in a nice part of town. She indeed does have it all… almost. What’s missing in her equation, at least in her mind, is her IBM (Ideal Black Male) to fulfill the empty space in her heart. One of her coworkers gets the brilliant idea to set her up on a blind date. She reluctantly goes on it and they meet at Starbucks—particularly the Magic Johnson-owned Starbucks in LA. She wades through the “brothers� in the crowd when Brian introduces himself. Of course she’s caught off guard upon meeting him (guess why!) and tries to regain her composure by tossing comments at the other African American Starbucks patrons. Ultimately she chickens out on the date but, as good old fashioned Hollywood bred “fate� would have it, their paths cross again at an engagement party for Kenya’s coworker. It turns out that Brian is a landscape architect who designed the lavish backyard where the party is being held. It also turns out that Kenya’s new house has a backyard that looks more like a swamp. Guess who gets the job to transform said backyard from swamp to chic?
The rest is Hollywood romantic comedy history—with a few touches of flavor and profundity thrown into the mix. The swamp begins its transformation; Brian works late to “touch up� a few things; Kenya invites him to dinner; dinner leads to a hiking trip where they have their reluctant (aren’t they always!) first kiss which leads to the obligatory “this kiss means nothing� statement followed by the mad, passionate kiss starting in the hallway and finishing in the bedroom. It’s when the relationship kicks off that the story enters a road that is rarely depicted on screen.
With the exception of Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, I don’t recall seeing a film that boldly and deeply addresses the issue of interracial dating like Something New does. We are immediately presented with the ramifications—cultural, personal, and social… not to mention negative and positive—of Kenya’s decision to date Brian. Initially, she demands that they keep their relationship on the “down-low� (under wraps from potentially nosy friends and family) and at social functions, introduces Brian as her “friend� as opposed to her boyfriend. Her posse of girlfriends (Wendy Raquel Robinson, Golden Brooks, Taraji P. Henson) ultimately give Brian the thumbs-up. However, the new beau (Mike Epps—shockingly understated in this film in contrast to his other roles) of one of Kenya’s girlfriends takes every opportunity he can to give Brian a hard time in the form of Black/White jokes and thinly veiled threats.
On the positive side, Brian makes a critical observation regarding Kenya with the statement, “for once, I’d love to see you naked.� It sounds like something else, but it’s really a statement about Kenya’s appearance and self-image—which we later find is heavily influenced by her mother (Alfre Woodard—deliciously uppity!). Her father (Earl Billings) is a doctor and her mother pretty much had to look the part of a doctor’s wife. This includes enrolling Kenya in debutante balls against her will as well as influencing her physical appearance and the décor in her home. Brian’s statement, however, leads to a major transformation in Kenya’s life. Her attire becomes a bit more relaxed, the aforementioned swamp backyard turns into colorful and vibrant chic, and (perhaps clearing up a major myth and unveiling the best kept secret of some African American women), she gets her hair stylist to cut her hair extensions off in place of a curly, more natural hair style.
Ultimately, the internal struggle that Kenya has about dating a white man coupled with the struggles at her job that highlight the differences between blacks and whites in the professional and social realms (which, up to this point, they tried to ignore) leads to major conflict between them. In the midst of their conflict (and subsequent break up), Mr. IBM shows up in her life in the form of a tax attorney (Blair Underwood). Upon meeting him, Kenya agrees that he is indeed ideal: the total package, so to speak. However, Kenya discovers, even with “ideal� standing right before her, that real love is a decision that involves being true to yourself, breaking the bondage of social and cultural conformity and following your heart.
Needless to say, I can relate to Kenya’s struggle and discovery in my own life. There is a major rule of thumb that still exists in certain parts of African American society that views dating outside of our race as taboo and forbidden. We are encouraged to boldly pursue love and romance… as long as it’s with our fellow kinsmen. Countless times in my life, and in the lives of others, we were stressed of the importance of “Black folks staying together�—especially when it comes to love. Being “down with The Swirl� (slang for Black/White interracial dating—popularized by the poster for Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever where the hands of an African American man and a white Italian woman are intertwined and shot in extreme close up) was akin to treason, or “selling out" our race, our brothers and our sisters. I can still remember having a Hispanic girlfriend in high school and seeing a flock of African American girls staring at me in shock and (presumably) disgust as we walked down the street holding each other. We were taught that, no matter how slim the pickings were out there, we must hold out for that Ideal Black Man/Woman.
Jesus Christ broke down the barriers that separate us as Paul mentions in Galatians 3:28. Unfortunately, while American Christians of all races, creeds and colors acknowledge this statement and claim to abide by it, the unhealed/untreated wounds that have been inflicted and suffered by the people in this country still influence the ways that we view one another. We may not tell our true feelings to those who are different than us face to face, but behind closed doors and among our kinsmen, the ugly truth of what we really feel comes out—many times in spite of the faith we claim to hold on to. The views and statements that were made to me behind closed doors regarding white and other women outside of my race definitely influenced my dating choices as a teen and college student. Honestly, that sort of foolish thinking led to me spending many Saturday nights stuck at home watching 227, Golden Girls, T.J. Hooker and WWF Wrestling!
Years later, I have discovered as Kenya did that cultural stigmas and rules pale in comparison to true love. My wife is African American, but I didn’t just marry a Black woman. I married a woman… period. She is God’s best for me. When I look at my son's godmother and aunties, I see women who married men… period. Some of them had to go through the same struggles that Kenya and Brian did in this film. But they persevered through the struggles and surrendered themselves to love—as proudly colorblind as they could be! All three of them looked as happy on their wedding days as my wife and I looked on ours. Whenever I think of Something New—and as I watch this great movie in the years to come on DVD—I will always hold the thought of my son’s Aunties and Godmother deeply in my heart.
— Overview
PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FILM. COMMENTS THAT DO NOT PERTAIN TO THE FILM OR THIS REVIEW WILL BE DELETED.
3 Comments:
I look forward to seeing this film as much as I enjoyed your review!
With a handful of exceptions, mainstream/popular US films tend to avoid the topic of interracial romance (eg, Last of the Mohicans, Corinna Corinna, Fools Rush In, Mississippi Masala, Dance with Me). When they do mention such relationships, class and education are the focus, not ethnicity. When the focus is ethnicity, it's to say that such relationships just never work -- especially if it's a Black/White partnership (eg, The Bodyguard, Jungle Fever).
It's time for something new. Something that reflects the emerging face of the US and the interracial alliances therein. Something that mirrors the heart of God and His love for "every tribe and tongue and nation". More Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; less O. It sounds like Something New is just that....
Loved your review! Keep them coming.
Appreciated this review! Netflix is recommending this film for us, and since we are Simon Baker fans, and also Blair Underwood and Alfre Woodard fans, we'll check it out.
Hope that cute new baby is doing well.
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