Waiting To Exhale (1995)

Average rating

(62%)

Starring:	Whitney Houston \| Angela Bassett \| Loretta Devine \| Lela Rochon \| Gregory Hines \| Mykelti Williamson \| Dennis Haysbert
Director:	Forest Whitaker
Studio:	20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time:	124 mins
Genres:	Drama \| Romance
Languages:	English
Released:	March 01, 2004
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The adaptation of Terry McMillan's best-selling novel, about four middle-class, African-American friends, and their continuing efforts to find Mr. Right. The story begins with Bernadine, whose husband John calmly announces that he's leaving her -- for a white woman. Furthermore, the wealthy John has been manipulating his finances, and leaves Bernadine virtually broke. But Bernie gets her revenge, in a rather "fiery" fashion. Then there's Savannah, who re-ignites a relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who's married with children. Meanwhile, dim Robin dates hordes of Mr. Wrongs before going back to Russell, who's also married. Will either come to her senses

Rating of 3 stars out of 5

No matter what problems confront the female quartet in this mellow drama, the most pressing concern always seems to be the shortage of good men. Like that woman's picture extraordinaire Thelma and Louise, it's directed by a man, but the crucial difference is that this crowd-pleasing melodrama marks the debut of Forest Whitaker. Consequently, there's a patronising tone of indulgence pervading the film that manifests itself in the smart one-liners, the minor triumphs designed to elicit high-fives among the audience and the tear-jerking feel-good of the finale. Expertly acted by a cast that includes Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, this owes little to life and a bit too much to glossy magazine aspirations.

Rating of 1 stars out of 5
Halliwell's Film Guide