Movie Review: ‘Guess Who’:
In the midst of the recent, and ultimately unsatisfying, season of sequels, most viewers can count on “Guess Who” to deliver something slightly more fresh than what has lately been topping the box office.
Although this film does not provide anything original in terms of the storyline, it does have a good heart and effectively tells a love story that is surrounded by racial boundaries. Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan (“Barbershop 2: Back in Business”), “Guess Who” is a modern adaptation of the Academy Award winning “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” an emotional and highly controversial drama from 1967 starring Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn.
In the 1967 version, a young white girl brings her black boyfriend home to meet her shocked parents, resulting in a wave of conflicting emotions and premonitions about interracial marriage. “Guess Who” provides a much different portrayal of a similar situation by putting Ashton Kutcher (“The Butterfly Effect”) and Bernie Mac (“Ocean’s Twelve”) head to head for a non-stop comedic battle.
Kutcher plays Simon, the clumsy but good-hearted boyfriend of Theresa (Zoe Saldana, “Center Stage”). As the story begins, we see the loving couple prepare to meet Theresa’s family and announce their plans of marriage. Without Theresa’s parents being informed of the clear racial difference between the two lovers, they are surprised when Simon stumbles into their home. Problems of conflict and honesty soon surface when Simon meets his future father-in-law Percy (played by Mac), who isn’t shy about expressing his suspicions.
The entire film showcases Kutcher’s comedic skills as an uncomfortable newcomer trying to make the best of things. This is contrasted against Mac, who never lets down as the staunch and haughty patriarch trying to protect his daughter.
As the relationship between Kutcher and Mac matures, we watch a variety of scenes where they try to make us laugh by using racial slurs and sexual innuendos. Aside from a little physical zaniness, the bulk of humor in this film comes from these sources. Even though the punch lines are plentiful and well-delivered, they can easily create awkward tension or uproarious laughter from the audience. And the line which divides these two responses is very thin indeed. Consequently, this romantic/family comedy is best suited for people who enjoy urban humor and jokes that border on the offensive.
This does not mean that the film wasn’t a good one. All of the actors pulled their own weight and it is easy to see that they each have fun with their roles. What adds more to the film is that it isn’t entirely a comedy. The director and screenwriters effectively incorporate scenes of relationship drama and racism which help to anchor the moments of laughter. “Guess Who,” as a whole, does have a notable amount of truth and realism, overlaid with humor that the audience might view as distasteful.
Another element that supports the film’s credibility is the social commentary it provides about how most of us view interracial relationships today. Much different from the 1960s, they are not something to be afraid of or ashamed of but can be treated with respect and lightheartedness like any other relationship. By providing this commentary, and combining it with risqué humor that is only somewhat predictable, “Guess Who” will give happiness and heart to its viewers.
Casey T Allan is a junior majoring in English and reviews movies for the Utah Statesman. Comments may be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu
Grade: B+