03/14/97
MOVIE REVIEW: Love Jones
'love jones' is a fresh look at an oft-told tale

By JIM SEAVOR
Journal-Bulletin Arts Writer

*** (out of five)
Starring Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaih Washington, Lisa Nicole Carson, Khalil Kain, Bill Bellamy. A New Line Cinema release written and directed by Theodore Witcher. Rated R, language, adult themes. Running time: 107 minutes.

The people behind love jones say they wanted to make a contemporary film about African-American life that did not deal with guns and drugs. Instead they turned to another cliche -- the romantic comedy.

The result is a first film for writer/director Theodore Witcher filled with warm personalities that almost make up for the oft-told tale.

This time around, the plot revolves around Darius (Larenz Tate), a struggling writer, and Nina Mosley (Nia Long), a struggling photographer. They are part of Chicago's poetry scene, meeting at a club named Sanctuary. He is secure in his ability to woo and win, until he meets her. She's been jilted by her fiance and doesn't want another relationship.

Sure. Her defenses crumble almost faster than it's taking to write this.

After the first date, the dialogue goes something like this:

She: "Thanks."

He: "I ought to go." (pause) "I just want to come up and talk."

Not all that much talking is done that night.

Despite both telling friends "This ain't no love thing," it becomes just that.

Of course, things cannot go smoothly. The former fiance (Kahil Kain) turns up. Darius and Nina split. Get together. Split. . . .

Throughout it all, the actors remain spontaneous and likable.

There is a good chemistry between Tate and Long, coupled with a gleam in their eyes that suggests fun. A cab ride she takes with her friend Josie (Lisa Nicole Carson) after that first date has them both breaking up as she gets deeper and deeper into details. It's a nice touch.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the acting. Director/writer Witcher, who graduated in 1991 from Columbia College's film school in Chicago, knows these people and likes them. He captures the smoky and bluesy world of their favorite club -- as well as Chicago's streets.

It's his script that causes some problems.

This is a film that is thoroughly predictable. You know from the moment Darius and Nina meet that, despite any obstacles, everything will end on a hopeful note. Because you like them you stay for the ride.

And, while love jones is filled with cliches, it is nice to find all those other cliches aren't there.