Popcorn Reviews With Cybèle: How Stella Got Her Groove Back

By Cybèle Elaine Werts  
CybeleW@aol.com

First  published in the Shelburne News, Shelburne Vermont

Popcorn Kernel Rating (four possible): 2.5 Kernels for Taye Digg’s strong performance.

During the first half-hour of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I wondered what exactly Stella’s (Angela Bassett) problem was. After all, she’s gorgeous, has a great body, works as a highly paid investment advisor, has a kid she loves to death, and a beautiful house. What exact groove was she missing? My sister explained that it was her sex drive that was off the groove, which was probably true but not really all that explicit. So Stella goes off to Jamaica, meets up with Winston (Taye Diggs), a hunky 20 year-old, and they fall in love. That’s pretty much the plot. Sure, they have some problems with her family and his because of the difference in their ages, but that is still pretty much it.

Part of the problem I had was that Bassett doesn’t look 40. Not a line on her. Conjuring up empathy for her was well neigh impossible. It was equally as difficult to see Diggs as an innocent 20 year-old. His character is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and wholly committed to a lifetime relationship. Call me cynical, but most of the men I know are not that confident or comfortable with commitment at 35, much less 20. That being said, his performance was the highlight of the film, and not just because of his glistening muscles.

Suggested Gustatory Accompaniment: One of those Jamaican tourist drinks with the little umbrella in it.

Copyright 2000