Movie Review – About Last Night

Kevin Hart is truly the hardest working man in Hollywood. This time he’s the lead in the remake of a 1986 romantic comedy that starred Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and James Belushi. Can Hart elevate another movie to #1? About Last Night is rated R for sexual content, language and brief drug use.

Bernie (Hart) and Danny (Michael Ealy) are work colleagues as well as best friends. Neither is in a committed relationship until Joan (Regina Hall) and Debbie (Joy Bryant) enter the picture. Then things get crazy, complicated and funny. Outside of the four main actors the only two that get semi substantial screen time are Christopher McDonald and Joe Lo Truglio who play Casey McNeil (bar owner and family friend to Danny) and Ryan Keller (boss to Bernie and Danny) respectively.

About Last Night seems to be all about balance. It is no more evident than with the characters themselves and what they bring to the table. There is no doubt that the two comedy bread winners are Kevin Hart and Regina Hall. The way they play off of each other is amazing. They have a great on screen connection that shines through immediately. Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant are there to appeal to the sensitive sides with a splash of comedy. The same goes for Christopher McDonald who is on the serious side and Joe Lo Truglio is there for laughs.

The problem with About Last Night is that it tends to drag when Hart is away from the camera’s view. This might be partly due to the fact that he is just so funny that he takes over scenes and it makes you want more of him. There are some absolutely laugh out loud scenes with Hart and Hall. That’s not to say that the acting was poor by the others. Kevin Hart is just very entertaining. If you watch closely and have seen the original 1986 version you’ll notice that director Steve Pink pays homage to it in a very direct way.

This is a good date film because there’s enough comedy to break up the romance and vice versa. What may turn some people off to liking About Last Night is just how far they go with some of the raunchy jokes. Others might find that to be its saving grace. Either way there’s a little something for everyone and it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a funny, yet romantic Valentine’s Day movie. Just go with your Hart.