Parents' Guide to A Journal for Jordan

Washington's adaptation boasts talented actors but lacks a nuanced script and the on-screen chemistry necessary to elevate the drama beyond the sentimental. Since his directorial debut, Antwone Fisher, the actor-turned-director has consistently taken his time between projects; usually the result is a highly personal and evocative film, like the excellent stage-to-screen adaptation of Fences, in which he also starred. So it's disappointing that this, his fourth feature film (and third adaptation) misses the mark. It's not that it's bad -- because it's never a waste to see Jordan act in any film role -- but it's uneven, oddly paced, and feels more like a predictably maudlin Lifetime drama than an effective narrative film. Part of the problem is the dialogue and the forced, almost sitcom-ish way that Dana interacts with her circle of friends (which, oddly, lacks one Black or Brown person). The bantering friends, who wax poetic about Charles' body, aren't developed enough to also be the support network she needs after he dies. And there are several unresolved issues that the script introduces but never develops (like Charles' daughter from a previous marriage or Dana's issues with her father's infidelity).

Another problem is that, despite their individual appeal, there's not a lot of romantic chemistry between Adams and Jordan. What passes a chemistry test can be subjective to the viewer, but here it just doesn't burn up the screen. It's clear that this is a beautiful real-life story of a couple's love and what an officer left behind for his partner and son to treasure long after his death. That makes the idea of reading the book appealing, to dig deeper into the events that inspired the movie. If anything, this is a tale that should be explored as a documentary to celebrate Canedy and King's love -- and his legacy.