Time To Get Schooled... "Night School"

Night School (2018)

Rated PG-13

Starring Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Romany Malco, Taran Killam

Directed by Malcom D. Lee

The Story:

High school dropout Teddy (Hart) has a job, a girlfriend and a bright future, until it all goes up in flames one night. In order to secure a brighter future, he's got to go back to school to receive his GED. But with a no-nonsense teacher like Ms. Carrie (Haddish) he may be in way over his head.

Malcolm D. Lee's greatest film, hands down, remains Undercover Brother.

In 2017, he helmed Girls Trip, which unleashed Tiffany Haddish on unsuspecting viewers and made her an instant star.

With a more family friendly tone in Night School, the director and stars are able to cobble together a very fun story that allows Hart and Haddish to bounce off one another, plus they are given an outstanding ensemble of comedic supporting cast mates to help flesh out the story.

Case in point: Add a mid-term exam heist by all of the students to stretch the film, further establish the supporting cast and add to the charm of the overall film.

They also avoid the overused teacher/student love interest in a big, foot-stomping kind of way.

We'll see if/how they try and turn this into a franchise down the road, but for now, the initial foray into Night School was well worth the trip.

Checking The Calendar... "Almost Christmas"

Almost Christmas (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Jessie T. Usher, John Michael Higgins, Omar Epps

Written and Directed by David E. Talbert

The Story:

Walter (Glover) is the family patriarch, and all of his kids are coming home for Christmas. It's the first gathering of the entire family since their mother passed away. Naturally, each of the kids come home with their own life difficulties, but perhaps they can keep the drama to a minimum since it's...Almost Christmas.

Yeah, not likely.

Between 2 sisters that have never seen eye to eye (Union & Elise) a son that is running for office (Malco) regardless of how he might have to compromise his principles, or the aspiring pro athlete (Usher) who may or may not have an addiction problem, there is no shortage of issues among the kids.

Add in some spouses and children, and the household is full and the crazy level is rising with just days before the big event.

There's also some small character moments that bring real life to some of the crazy drama.

Thankfully, nothing is played too crazy; these could be real issues for real families.

It's sweet, sincere, honest and at times very touching.

The cast gels together and the chemistry keeps the family dynamic going.

You may have missed this one in theaters last year, but you've got a chance this upcoming holiday season to add this one to the list and see if it becomes a perennial holiday favorite in your home.

Final Grade: B

Nothing Ever Truly Stays In Vegas... "Think Like A Man Too"

Think Like A Man Too (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Megan Good, Regina Hall, Gabrielle Union, Terrence Jenkins, Romany Malco

Directed by Tim Story

The Story:

All of the couples from Think Like A Man return as they prepare for the marriage of Michael and Candace (Jenkins & Hall) in Vegas. Cedric (Hart) has the whole thing under control as Best Man and wants to make sure everyone has the night of their lives.

Naturally, everything is about to go off course in a most spectacular fashion!

A great cast attempts to lift the usual shenanigans for a bachelor party in Vegas to lofty heights.

It doesn't work, but at least they try. ;)

There's nothing bad about the film.

Each of the couples' issues will be mostly resolved by the end of the film.

And yes, they even manages to make it to the altar before it's all over.

So the bottom line, if you enjoyed the first film, you won't mind spending about 90 minutes with some old friends.

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Amusing but no need to revisit anytime soon.