Today’s Prayer Focus

Something New

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for sexual references.
Moral Rating: not reviewed
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults
Genre: Romance comedy
Length:
Year of Release: 2006
USA Release: February 3, 2006 (wide)
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Relevant Issues
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Is inter-ethnic marriage biblical? Some people believe that interracial marriages are prohibited in the Scriptures. Often they will argue that marriage with foreigners (implying people both of different culture and color) was prohibited throughout the Old Testament. What does Scripture teach?

RACISM—What are the consequences of racial prejudice and false beliefs about the origin of different ethnicities? Answer

ORIGIN OF ETHNIC PEOPLE GROUPS—How could all ethnicities come from Noah, his three sons and their wives? Answer

Racism, Ethnicity Issues and Christianity
Get biblical answers to racial hot-topics. Where did various ethnicities come from? How did varying skin color come about? Why is it so important to have a biblical foundation for such issues?

For a follower of Christ, what is LOVE—a feeling, an emotion, or an action?

What is true love and how do you know when you have found it?

Sex, Love and Relationships
Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Christian answers to questions about sex, marriage, sexual addictions, and more. Valuable resources for Christian couples, singles and pastors.

Teen Qs™—Christian Answers for teenagers
Teens! Have questions? Find answers in our popular TeenQs section. Get answers to your questions about life, dating and much more.

Featuring Simon Baker, Sanaa Lathan, Golden Brooks, K.C. Clyde, Mike Epps, Donald Faison, Taraji P. Henson, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard
Director Sanaa Hamri
Producer Preston L. Holmes, Dwight Williams, Stephanie Allain
Distributor Distributor: Focus Features. Trademark logo.Focus Features, a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, a division of NBCUniversal/Comcast

“She had it all under control. Except her heart.”

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “A romantic comedy about finding love where it’s least expected, ‘Something New’ marks the feature directorial debut of Sanaa Hamri. If love is an adventure, it’s one yet to be embarked upon by Kenya Denise McQueen (Sanaa Lathan). A beautiful L.A. career woman, Kenya works as a senior manager at a prestigious accounting firm, and is on the verge of making partner. But she has yet to find her own partner and a fulfilling personal life. It’s not that she’s stopped looking; her (mental) checklist is at the ready.

After another Valentine’s Day spent working late, Kenya agrees to a blind date with Brian Kelly (Simon Baker), a sexy and free-spirited landscape architect who turns out to be not exactly what she’d pictured for herself. Then again, she does need the yard of her new house fixed up… Her girlfriends Cheryl, Suzzette, and Nedra (Wendy Raquel Robinson, Golden Brooks, Taraji P. Henson) are there for her with advice, while Cheryl’s new beau Walter (Mike Epps) shares a male perspective with Brian. Kenya’s socially prominent parents Joyce and Edmond (Alfred Woodard, Earl Billings) and womanizing younger brother Nelson (Donald Faison) also voice their own opinions. But it’s when her perfect match, Mark (Blair Underwood), enters the picture that Kenya is truly thrown into confusion. Ultimately, Kenya has to decide for herself and follow her heart—no matter where it takes her.”

Volunteer reviewer needed for this movie

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Neutral—If you like the typical African-American romantic comedy, you will probably enjoy this. I typically enjoy this sort of movie, and this one was no exception. You have the love and the romance elements that we all enjoy, and you empathize with the characters. There were also several positive underlying messages: Do not allow the beliefs of others to influence what you feel in your heart is right for you, and do not become so overwhelmed with making a living that you forget to make a life.

Still, it was the typical 'Hollywood Pushing PG-13 As Far As It Will Go' type of film, which honestly angered me. So much of the inappropriate things that were obviously added, either for shock value or because sex sells, could have been cut, and the movie would have been much better. Things to watch out for:
  • A scene where they are at a theatrical dance that was more pornographic than artistic. Both the male and female were in flesh-colored underwear, and all of the moves were sensuous and sexual in nature. It was VERY highly offensive and unnecessary!
  • A scene where the unmarried couple is being very intimate with each other. Their fornication is presented as an opportunity for them to get to know each other better and explore each other. Though they do not show the actual intercourse, this scene is more sensuous than necessary.
  • Various casual comments about sex, masturbation, and sexual organs portrayed what God created as strictly physical indulgence and just “Good old fashioned sex” (as explained by one of the characters.) The attitude is not one that I would want any child that I loved to be exposed to-13 or not!
  • A few strategically placed curse words that could arguably be for “realisms” sake, being that the characters are obviously not practicing Christians.
  • There is one character who states that she would become a Muslim if the man who wanted her to convert looked good enough, implying that religion/convictions can that easily be abandoned.
It is definitely an adult movie. Depending on your sensitivity to the world’s culture, it may not be for you. If you are easily offended or use your $$ to vote for the type of movies you would like to see more of, I probably would say this is not the best choice. It was entertaining, and I will probably see it again on DVD where I can skip the parts I choose not to see again.
My Ratings: Average / 3
Ameerah, age 26
Positive—I think it portrays interracial relationships in a positive way. It shows that prejudices can come from both sides and is not only about color, but can be about social class. This was a great movie overall, and I would take my 13 year old sister to see this film. The only bad thing was the beginning of the only sex scene between two unmarried adults which never showed any nudity, but if you’re a good Christian parent then you would have already taught your children not to emulate the actions of the two consenting adults in the movie. I give this movie two thumbs up.
My Ratings: Good / 5
Sandra Houston, age 21
Neutral—I enjoyed and didn’t enjoy this movie. I enjoyed it because it took a different romantic approach; it featured not so well known actors, and it had minimal cursing, and some comedic scenes. I didn’t enjoy the sensual scenes of the couple in bed, not married, as well as the attitude towards pre-marital sex, typical of Hollywood. The male (Simon Baker) is sort of a boring character, and not well developed (but hot!), and the movie drags somewhat. However, it was a good movie, and I’d probably go see it again.
My Ratings: Average / 3
Debbie Wilson, age 31
Movie Critics
…the screenplay is smart, witty and understated, and director Sanaa Hamri shows a firm hand with her actors and injects the movie with a fresh energy that lives up to the title…
The Arizona Republic, Randy Cordova
…a light treatment that touches on some heavy topics…
Chicago Tribune, Jessica Reaves
…Finally, a rom-com with a little more to offer than the same old, same old…
Hollywood Reporter, Michael Rechtshaffen
…Overall, this interracial comedy romance is a little too loosey-goosey, but it’s also well-acted, funny and keenly observed. …
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Eleanor Ringel Gillespie
…A touching story about a black professional woman facing problems in the workplace and the marriage market. I found myself unexpectedly moved. …
Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert
…There’s an easygoing authenticity to the depiction of Kenya and her world…
Entertainment Weekly, Lisa Schwarzbaum