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Parents' Guide to

Just Wright

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Positive messages galore in formulaic, teen-friendly romcom.

Movie PG 2010 100 minutes
Just Wright Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

doctora
doctora Parent of 6-year-old
May 16, 2023
age 12+

Great messaging from another charming film from Queen Latifah!

This film has a special place in my heart. It is the film that lodged into my brain and relentlessly reminded me to get back in touch with my first love (now husband). Although the criticism towards this film is that it is formulaic, I disagree. I think Queen Latifah, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashaad and Pam Grier nail their respective characters. They all understood the assignment and portray realistic and nuanced female protagonists. The relationships, tensions, and mimicry amongst the characters is not often seen in films and Just Wright is able to shine a light on them with ease and believability. The film is also refreshingly Afro and POC centric and offers multidimensional portrayals of "regular" people. Lastly Queen Latifah's charm is infectious.
crankylibrarian
crankylibrarian Parent
January 3, 2014
age 13+

A terrific "anti-Cinderella" story, especially for African American women.

Leslie Wright is a "big girl", dark skinned, and more comfortable in sweats and scrubs than minidresses and heels. Her godsister Morgan has Black American Princess written all over her: light of skin, delicate of bone, and material of aspiration. While Morgan schemes to meet and marry an NBA star, Leslie happens to charm a player she runs into with her natural humor, intelligence and automotive skills. Of course, fool that he is, he initially goes for Morgan, until he realizes which woman has the actual qualities to be his perfect match. I loved Queen Latifah as Leslie: she is smart, sassy, good at her job, and fiercely devoted to her friends and family. She wins her prince without makeovers or wardrobe changes, but simply by being her awesome self. PARENTAL NOTE - There is some talk of sex, and a "morning after" shot, but very chastely filmed . Pretty clean otherwise.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Physical therapist and diehard New Jersey Nets fan Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) can't quite seem to get her love life right, even if everything else has fallen into place. She's memorable, kind and charming, and beautiful, to boot, but guys always seem to relegate her to "friend" status. Her childhood pal, Morgan (Paula Patton), however, has no problem reeling in any suitor, largely because she's drop-dead gorgeous and methodical in her pursuit of the perfect guy. Perfect in this case is Scott McKnight (rapper-turned actor Common), the Nets' marquee ball player who befriends Leslie and falls for Morgan. When he's injured, with his NBA career at risk, Leslie comes to his rescue, helping him rehabilitate his knee; rediscover his confidence; and re-affirm his passion for the game. But can they take their relationship to the next level?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (5 ):

Queen Latifah is talented -- of this we are all certain by now -- but JUST WRIGHT should be renamed "Just So-So." It's entertaining in parts; even appealing in others. And the chemistry between Latifah and Common is somewhat authentic. But the Queen should be able to deliver more than OK. She's a powerhouse, but her strengths are muted by a traditional frame that's simply too constricting. Though there are some twists and turns in the plot, we are left unruffled by them because we know there's no danger that things won't turn out right. It's that predictable. Plus, the story panders to the belief that successful women aren't complete without a boyfriend.

That said, director Sanaa Hamri does an excellent job framing the on-court action. Either Common really is an NBA-potential athlete or Hamri's great at directing basketball scenes. The storyline's plenty timely -- pro athletes and their romantic adventures fascinate these days -- and that's a plus. And the supporting cast, which includes Patton and Phylicia Rashad, is impressive. Still, JUST WRIGHT is no starter; as it is, it plays like a bench-warmer, and that's just not right.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the character Leslie: Is she typical of female leads in romantic comedies? Why is it unusual to see women bigger than a size 2 in romantic comedies? Why are so many women in romantic comedies portrayed as if they're incomplete without a boyfriend? Does this movie do anything to shake up the norm in romcoms?

  • Are there really women -- and men, too -- who pursue celebrities and athletes because it'll pave the way for an easier life? Will it? In the film, does social-climbing Morgan seem sympathetic despite her goals? Why?

  • Why is it that in movies, superstar athletes are expected to be one-dimensional, caring only about their sport and bedding women? Why does this stereotype persist? Does this film shatter any of that?

Movie Details

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