Behind the generic title (I stopped counting IMDb listings at twenty), lies this generic movie. Not bad, just awfully familiar; an early credit for writer/director Ava DuVerney hobbled rather than helped by awards, nominations & overinflated expectations. Emayatzy Corinealdi is exceedingly pretty (think young Leslie Uggams) as the hospital nurse who puts off med school to stay close to hunky husband Omari Hardwick, currently serving eight years in prison, five with good behavior. (Charges left purposely vague by DuVerney?) Meantime, smitten jail-route bus driver David Oyelowo (looking & sounding unnervingly like Detroit Piston Point Guard Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas) is making a big play for her. He’s a charmer for sure, divorced, too, but it’s no go. Or is till Corinealdi and her husband’s attorney are ambushed by new info at his parole board hearing. With no ‘right’ decision, what’s a thoughtful caring sacrificial enabler supposed to do? Far more interesting, but given far less screen time are the complicated relations & miscommunications buzzing between Corinealdi, her kid sister & nephew, and their resentful Mom (an extraordinary Lorraine Toussaint). Did DuVerney not pick up on what was unique here while shooting?
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