Review // About Last Night

“Tell me about last night” the film begins with two conversations, with two distinct perspectives about the same event. We’re off to a good start. Kevin Hart’s Bernie describes his would be one night stand with Regina Hall’s Joan to his best friend Danny (Michael Ealy). Bernie and Danny’s conversation is inter-cut with Joan’s recap of the same night to her room-mate Debbie (Joy Bryant). As their stories wind down we realize Joan and Debbie are about to enter the same bar that Bernie and Danny are in, and perhaps that the unsatisfactory one night stand is about to lead to more.

Which it does. Hart and Hall have undeniable chemistry as their wild, fun loving, verging-on-crazy characters. The pair also snag most of the laughs, which is unsurprising considering both actors have strong comedic backgrounds. Unfortunately, About Last Night is not about Bernie and Joan. Those characters are more akin to Karen and Jack from Will & Grace; they are the reason you keep watching, but it isn’t their show. Instead, the narrative focuses on the burgeoning relationship between Danny and Debbie. Regrettably, while the pair are attractive they are very dull. Perhaps Ealy and Bryant’s uninspired performances are a symptom of a lackluster script, or simply a lack of chemistry.  Whatever the problem, they seem distinctly two-dimensional beside their entertaining co-stars.

Overall, About Last Night comes in a little short – and no that isn’t a Kevin Hart jibe. In fact, Hart is probably the main draw of the film. While the story line itself left a lot to be desired, I found the honest banter between friends to be enjoyable. It’s refreshing, modern and relatable. While the candid dialogue between the two pairs of friends (as well as Joan and Bernie) is spot on, the actual story, and the connection between Debbie and Danny is so weak that it brings the film down. As far as romantic comedies go About Last Night has enough of the comedy to make it a fun watch, but if you’re looking for romance, then look to another Valentine’s release.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.

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