This movie is done in the style and long tradition of romcoms from "yesteryear". It's a delightful nod to movies from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60s and 70s.
I'm an avid movie lover raised by a movie and film lover who schooled me in movies from past generations, so for me from the opening credits to the last line I was delighted by this theme. The film was like a love letter classic films and specifically classic Black films.
The movie contains some of these classic movie elements that could be mistaken for if a viewer doesn't have background knowledge, but that's OK because the filmmaker (and maybe the author) alludes to it and almost encourages the viewer to explore classic films by the references to Ina Mae, through the Jenna's costumes, the color tone of the film, the jump cuts, the overt nod to Dorothy Dandridge's Carmen, the campy elements, and the over the top characters, and other iconic classic movie moments interspersed throughout the film.
Gabrielle Union brings reminded me of many leading ladies from these classic films from her perfectly timed comedic moments to the heartfelt ones. Union depicts Jenna Jones as a classic actress with charm, relatability, a dash of glamour, and as an aspirational figure.
The music was wonderful, well-timed, and well chosen to enhance and punctuate scenes. There's art in this movie and I appreciate this art.
I'm not sure what people mean by no chemistry. The two leads definitely have chemistry. I was thinking Union's husband had a cameo to remind people he was around.
Found this movie scrolling Netflix. I have not read the book and didn't know it was a book until coming here. I was curious about the film makers.