Admittedly, Sullivan’s broad strokes sometimes get a little precious, but overall, the smart, good-hearted film sparks perfectly. Unlike many of today’s romantic films whose sexy scenes are often cheesy and leeringly immature, “Stella” is wonderfully sensuous but never cheap. Special praise to director Kevin Rodney Sullivan, whose mature hand blends sexiness with smarts. In his feature film debut, Diggs is appropriately alluring and steady as Stella’s young lover. Pagan is winning as Stella’s protective young son. As Stella’s buttinski sisters, both Regina King as the irresponsible sibling and Suzzanne Douglas as the judgmental one are terrific. The supporting players are well-chosen, particularly Goldberg, whose saucy turn as Stella’s rambunctious sidekick is at once hilarious and heart-rending. Bassett is sensational: stewing, simmering, smoldering - she takes us through all of Stella’s complex, conflicted feelings. While it’s usually irrelevant to talk Oscars during the popcorn summer season, her spirited, ranging, juicy turn is very likely to earn a best actress nomination. Like anyone who’s conscientious, she spends too much time trying to please others and fit societal norms.Ībove all, Stella’s battle is with herself, and it’s a conflict we care about deeply in large part because of Bassett’s spunky, delectable performance. Unlike most summer movies, Stella is about people and their inner conflicts and personal obstacles: In Stella’s case, it’s about finding balance in her life, namely romance and professional satisfaction. She finds herself laughing, cavorting and, wondrously, having fun - great feelings she’s long forgotten.įans of McMillan’s novels will be pleased that her wickedly funny descriptions and raunchy, perceptive dialogue have been distilled marvelously in her and Ron Bass’ sparkling, zesty screenplay. Much to her amazement, Stella soon finds herself seeking out the young man and - what did they put in those rum drinks? - involved in a vacation romance. Winston is immediately attracted to Stella, who is flattered but cautious. He is educated, caring, good-looking and (yikes!) all of 20 years old. ![]() Namely, Delilah wants the repressed, overly disciplined Stella to sow some wild oats.Īt first uptight and chilly, Stella soon warms to a young resort employee with the unlikely moniker Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs). Pagan) goes to visit his father for a week, Delilah convinces Stella to accompany her to Jamaica for some R&R. Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) not only is her alter ego but is sassy enough to give Stella a kick in the butt to jump-start her dormant dating life. Luckily, Stella is smart enough to have a crazy, more adventurous friend. In short, she’s a bit of a drudge and, undeniably, somewhat of a control freak. Available guys, to Stella’s critical eye, are either duds or inappropriate. She’s an overachiever, given to long hours at her investment job where she’s making a tidy living and doing all the right things, from jogging to looking out for her sisters and friends.īut all the bucks and success have come with a price: She’s divorced and hasn’t had a date in ages. Stella has everything - great job, great kid, lots of money - except a life. 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi': THR's 1983 Review
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