Waiting to Exhale Review

by Michael J. Legeros (legeros AT nando DOT net)
January 4th, 1996
WAITING TO EXHALE
    A film review by Michael John Legeros Copyright 1996 Michael John Legeros
(Fox)
Directed by Forrest Whitaker
Written by Ronald Bass and Terry McMillan, from the novel by McMillan
Cast Whitney Huston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine
MPAA Rating "R" (presumably for language and sexual situations) Running Time 123 minutes
Reviewed at Mission Valley Cinemas, Raleigh, NC (24DEC95)
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    Like the recent HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT, this is another one of those "you go girl" films; that harmless subgenre of "chick flicks" in which a group of women gather to piss and moan about the stupid men in their lives, while never acknowledging that *they* are the stupid ones for having stayed with them. The message of "needing a man to make me happy" is inappropriate, sure, but no worse than, say, the legions of big-gun testosterone poisoners that teach violence as a method of problem-solving.

    Even as a feminist fantasy, WAITING TO EXHALE is tremendously watchable. Director Forrest Whitaker, making his feature-film debut, evokes genuine emotion from this stellar cast of leading ladies. Standout sequences include a hilariously frank sex scene and the early show-stopper of Angela Bassett torching her hubby's BMW. You go girl! Equally engaging are the *male* roles; a parade of liars and cheats that could rival the entire rogues gallery of any DIE HARD, James Bond, or Batman movie.

    Writers Ronald Bass and Terry McMillan (from her novel) deliver a staggering number of mixed messages. Only one of the characters (Loretta Devine) consistently acts responsible, and she's the least-glamorous of the lot. More women are likely to identify with Bassett's character, a devoted wife whose husband has left her for a younger, whiter woman. How does she react? By having a "quick one" herself. Sigh. Ladies, go and enjoy this movie. Laugh, cry, and talk back to the screen. Get your catharsis and then go pay a counselor for some *real* advice. (Rated "R"/124 min.)

Grade: B-

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Michael J. Legeros - Raleigh, NC
[email protected] (h) - [email protected] (w)
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