2) The reference to “Jumping the Broom” is from the African-American culture.
In slavery days, blacks were not legally permitted to marry, so at the end of the
unofficial ceremony the couple symbolically enter their marital threshold by jumping
over a broom. There are many folks of African-American descent who still observe
this ritual, though there are also “modern” couples who consider it an unnecessary
vestige of an earlier era. In fact, that tension is one of the dynamics in the film itself.
3) The leading man, Jason (Laz Alonso), when he gets in a tight spot, drives off
to an isolated spot and starts talking….to God. He actually prays, with sincerity and
integrity. The influence of (co-producer) Rev. T.D. Jakes on this film is apparent.
(He also convincingly plays “The Reverend” in the wedding, and what a great voice.)
4) Though the script consists of discovering momentous secrets, and the dialogue
hovers around much interpersonal conflict, there is no swearing. As if the writer
decided that “substitute slang” was just that, and instead has all the characters express
themselves clearly and articulately. This feels like dialogue out of the 1950s. But the
facility with language is refreshing.
5) The setting is lovely (Martha’s Vineyard), the scenes are gorgeous (standing on
the shore gazing at the sailboats on the water), and the wardrobes are lavish – as if the
universal informality of contemporary culture suddenly disappears. This, too, feels
like the 1950s.
6) Here, families may engage in a war of words, and say spiteful things, and even
hold grudges for years – but they always stay together. Sure, it’s idyllic, but which
church people wouldn’t want to see this model lifted up to our culture?
7) Oh, did I mention that the entire cast is black? Except, of course, for the white
hired help…..oh, sweet irony.
8) Sure, the acting is a bit melodramatic in places, but there is so much to like
about this whole enterprise, and the way in which it was produced, that would make
this veteran pastor recommend it to genteel church audiences of any denomination.
Ronald P. Salfen is co-pastor of United Presbyterian Church, Greenville, Texas.
