Daddy's Little Girls

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 14, 2007

DVD Release Date: June 12, 2007

Plot 411: A hard-working single father fights for custody of his three daughters with the help of a well-educated woman.

Review: Idris Elba plays Monty James, a blue-collar worker with a strong sense of ethics. His three girls live with their grandmother as he and his ex Jennifer (Tasha Smith) sort out their lives. However, when the grandmother dies suddenly Jennifer sues for custody of the girls despite being unfit for the job. Monty takes a job as a chauffeur to increase his cash flow in anticipation of a long court battle. He ends up driving for a snooty uptown lawyer named Julia (Gabrielle Union). When he seeks legal help from Julia, she blows him off but shows up at the last minute to represent him in court. Their relationship takes a turn when Monty finds out it's Julia's birthday and takes her out. She sheds her uptight and rigid attitude and finally has some fun. Unfortunately, misunderstandings and miscommunication muddle their friendship and Julia falls back on her cynical view of life. When Jennifer is awarded custody, Monty is desperate to find a way to get them back. But, will Julia be there to support him and fight for what's right? This is another interesting slice-of-life movie by Tyler Perry. I like that he shows representations of African Americans in different strata of society. There are too many movies that only portray black people in ghetto-like situations. This movie shows us people in several different financial situatinos in life and the issues that come along with them. Like other Perry shows, this one deals with real problems that regular people face. The themes are universal and relatable, in some way, to everyone.

Watch It: For a heart-wrenching/heart-warming snapshot of one father's fight for his children.

Skip It: If you're so over Perry's preaching of family values.

Bring It On

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 25, 2000

DVD Release Date: February 13, 2001

Plot 411: Two rival cheer squads from opposite sides of the track battle it off at Nationals.

Review: Again, I am so not a fan of Kirsten Dunst, and this is no exception. In fact, this might be the most irritating character she's played simply because she's a cheerleader. Despite my obvious bias, I still enjoyed this film. They probably should have stopped here though instead of making sequels. There were several funny parts as well as some great routines. Of course, Dunst played the captain of the rich kids. On the ghetto side of town, Gabrielle Union had the honor of playing the squad leader. The soundtrack was fun and upbeat, just as all cheerleaders should be. My favorite line: "I am a choreographer. That's what I do. You are cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded."

Watch It: For some pretty good teen flick action or great workout music suggestions.

Skip It: If smiley and peppy are just too much for you.

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The Perfect Holiday

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 12, 2007

DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008

Plot 411: A girl tells a mall Santa to bring her mother happiness for her Christmas wish.

Review: This was a cute romantic comedy starring Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union. I didn't remember even seeing it out in the theaters. Chestnut plays a part-time mall Santa who is asked by Union's daughter to help her mother find a husband. Chestnut decides to approach the mother but doesn't reveal that he knows who she is. Wanting to hide is North Pole roots, he ends up fibbing his way into her life. The best part of this film is Charlie Murphy's character, J-Jizzy, who is a rapper and Union's ex-husband. He is seriously funny playing this pimp daddy rap god. However, overall the movie isn't one to write home about. It's pretty formulaic and predictable.

Watch It: For a cute holiday movie.

Skip It: If you have the option to watch another holiday film, like This Christmas.

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