An interracial romance creates conflict for a successful black female and her traditional family in SOMETHING NEW. Sanaa Lathan is Kenya, a successful, professional and beautiful black woman who hasn’t landed a beau due to her own insecurities, hang-ups and unwieldy expectations. She decides to take a chance, and sets up a blind date via the internet with a man named Brian. Brian is white, and once Kenya realizes this, their date is no longer. After meeting again through a common friend, Brian becomes employed by Kenya as her landscaper.
Although it doesn’t break any new ground in race relations, SOMETHING NEW does add a little more weight to the sentimental genre. A recent Gallup Poll showed that 60% of individuals ages 18 to 29 have dated someone of a different race. The film, if anything, may not be something new for many, but instead something to relate to. Regardless of the social commentary, SOMETHING NEW works as a charming love story where in addition to race, personality conflicts, income and family acceptance stand in the way of two individuals romantic bliss. Lathan turns in another winning performance in a romantic comedy, conveying a strong female in professional and social situations and a more inhibited individual when she shares time with family and friends. Similar to her turn in LOVE AND BASKETBALL, Lathan demonstrates a beauty with brains. SOMETHING NEW is a fresh and warming romantic diversion which arrives just in time for cupid.
Grade: B-
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