For more movie summaries, see Kam's Kapsules.
 MY BLIND DATE IS A COLOR BLIND DATE! Kenya (Sanaa Lathan, right) is flummoxed when she discovers that her blind date is not an IBM (Ideal Black Man). After overcoming her surprise, she discovers that she can relate to Brian (Simon Baker), even though he's white. |
Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan) has little to complain about. She has doting parents whose emphasis on academics and career enabled her to earn degrees from Wharton and Stanford. As a consequence, she landed a great job at a top accounting firm where her meteoric rise within the company has her poised to become a partner.
Kenya has three close girlfriends who are equally successful in their careers, she's just bought her own home in an exclusive section of Los Angeles, but the only thing missing is a man to share her near perfect life.
Kenya, who is African-American, is well aware that 42 percent of black females never marry. She spends her weekends commiserating with similarly-situated friends about their bleak prospects for raising a family.
Kenya's problem is that she's limited her options by looking for an IBM, an Ideal Black Man, instead of widening her search for a prospective mate. Fortunately, she manages to meet Mr. Wonderful when a concerned co-worker arranges a blind date for her.
Kenya meets Brian (Simon Baker) for coffee and sparks start to fly. However, she is uncomfortable, not because he's a gardener, but because he's white.
The picture presents a plausible tension between the couple as their relationship deepens, and as their loved ones learn of their relationship. For instance, her brother (Donald Faison) accuses her of "sleeping with the enemy," while her women friends want to know what it's like dating a white man.
Brian is annoyed by Kenya's repeatedly referring to this or that grievance caused by discrimination, since she is far better off financially than he.
"Every day, I'm reminded that I'm black," she counters. "Are you expecting me to be in this relationship and not talk about race?"
"Not just all the time," he responds, trying to be supportive although obviously exasperated by this unfamiliar emotional baggage.
Mixing mirth with such more serious moments, Something New ultimately triumphs primarily because of the screen chemistry generated between Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker. Brian is convincing in overcoming Kenya's reservations and skepticism with his earnestness. And he has enough passion, persistence, and patience to melt her heart while turning everyone they know colorblind.
Kudos to Moroccan-born director Sanaa Hamri, who makes her feature film debut. She has previously produced music videos for Mariah Carey, India.Arie, Destiny's Child, and Jay-Z. The strong supporting cast, which includes Blair Underwood, Mike Epps, Taraji Henson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Alfre Woodard, and John Ratzenberger in a cameo, helps make this movie a success.
Excellent (4 stars). Rated PG-13 for sexual references. Running time: 100 minutes. Studio: Focus Features.
For more movie summaries, see Kam's Kapsules.