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Jumping the Broom Review

Release Date: May 06, 2011
Rated: Some sexual content
Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.
Genres: Comedy
Director:Salim Akil
Cast:Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

3.5

Dave White Profile <h3>Dave White</h3> <p><strong>Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex</strong></p> <br /> <p>Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...<a href="http://www.movies.com/movie-reviews/dave-white">Read full profile</a></p>

Class war meets "Cupid Shuffle" Read full review

3.0

Grae Drake Profile <h3>Grae Drake</h3> <p><strong>Movie maven about town</strong></p> <br /> <p>Grae Drake began her love affair with cinema as a wee bairn, as she spent every weekend corralling her friends over to the local...<a href="http://www.movies.com/movie-reviews/grae-drake">Read full profile</a></p>

I now pronounce you Delightful Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

3.0

56

out of 100

Metascore^®
Mixed or average reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
40

out of 100

The Hollywood Reporter Kirk Honeycutt
A wedding comedy that grows increasingly unfunny with each passing minute.

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63

out of 100

USA Today Claudia Puig
As wedding stories go, it's an improvement over the dreadful "Something Borrowed," though it doesn't have anything terribly new to say.

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75

out of 100

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
The cast is large, well chosen and diverting. The ceremony is delightful.

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91

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman
You'll laugh - a lot - but you'll also shed tears of recognition at this funny, salty, strife-torn look at the agony and ecstasy of family.

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See all Jumping the Broom reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 13+

Sweet, funny wedding comedy is a good parent-and-teen pick.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this wedding comedy was produced by evangelical preacher TD Jakes. It includes some kissing and discussion of premarital sex/celibacy, but at heart it's an uplifting story about the importance of love, family, and tradition. There are a couple of shots of characters (both male and female) in their underwear, but the action is limited to a few sexy smooches. Language is mild for a PG-13 film, and there's no violence outside of a football match that leaves the groom flat on his back. Some of the issues -- classism within the African-American community, mothers who hate every woman their son brings home, teen mothers forced to give away their babies -- are a bit mature for younger audiences, but the movie could prompt discussion about romantic and family relationships.

Families can talk about the movie's message about romantic and family relationships. Does a couple need to share a similar background to have a successful relationship?
How does this movie compare to other wedding comedies? Does it send any positive or negative messages about weddings and/or marriage? Why do so many wedding movies focus on the big day rather than what comes after?

The good stuff

Messages: Many of the movie's messages center around faith (the film was produced by an evangelical preacher). It also emphasizes the importance of respecting your parents but knowing when it's OK to disagree with them; being truthful with the people closest to you, even if it's hurtful; trusting your children to make the right decision; and not judging others based on their social status or education.
Role models: Ultimately the bride and groom are admirable role models because they learn to look past their family differences and respect each other's backgrounds and parents. They believe in each other enough to marry, even though their lives are "messy." Mr. Watson refuses to allow Mrs. Watson to push him away, and Mrs. Taylor's best friend and brother-in-law both lovingly encourage her to own up to her misdeeds in trying to break up the wedding.

What to watch for

Violence: Some mild pushing and shoving during a touch football game.
Sex: The movie opens with Sabrina fastening her bra; she's later shown in her bra and panties, as is one of the bridesmaids. Jason's uncle and cousin flirt boldly with Sabrina's aunt and bridesmaids. Sabrina's aunt sings Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" in a skimpy dress. The caterer and a bridesmaid kiss and are caught in their lingerie and underwear. The bride and groom kiss passionately a few times. Bridesmaids wonder whether the groom is on the "downlow" or cheating, since the bride-to-be has insisted on premarital celibacy. Teen motherhood is referenced in the story.
Language: Language includes "damn," "hell," "hook up," and "oh my God," plus insults like "stupid," "loser," and the terms "bougie" and "bootstrapper," which are used derogatively to mean "upper class" and "self-made."
Consumerism: BlackBerry, Prius, Land Rover, Polo, Lacoste, and a few other brands are on display in the movie.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults are shown with champagne and other drinks at meals and a reception. The wedding party drinks at a bar/restaurant, where one groomsmen says the groom should get "wasted." Sabrina's aunt acts drunk before she takes the stage.

Common Sense Media

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