Predictable as it is glossy, the rom-com Just Wright has at least two things going for it: Queen Latifah’s undeniable spark and the presence of a variety of real-life NBA stars including Dwight Howard and Dwayne Wade.
The movie centers on Leslie (Latifah), a physical therapist who — thanks to a conniving friend (Paula Patton) — lands a job helping to rehabilitate an injured NBA star, played by the rapper Common. Basketball fans immediately will recognize the movie as pure fantasy because, among other things, it imagines that the woeful New Jersey Nets are playing for an Eastern Conference ti
Patton, last seen as a caring teacher in Precious: ba
Assembled with the requisite glow by director Sanaa Hamri, Just Wright follows a predictable arc, but offsets its groan-inducing tendencies with a likable, down-to-earth performance from Latifah. Common, who evidently did his own basketball scenes, seems a trifle uncomfortable at times, and although he’s seen only briefly, Orlando Magic Star Howard proves that he has big-screen charisma.
Sports fans may be lured by the gaggle of NBA stars and ESPN broadcasters who appear as themselves, but I’m not sure guys will embrace this updated take on Cinderella once they’re drawn into theaters.