Not Easily Broken

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author T.D. Jakes wrote this story which chronicles the lives of a couple with marital problems due to disagreements about what should be the most important thing in a marriage.  The problems don't get any easier to resolve when a terrible accident puts a series of extra fractures in their already strained marriage.

Review

Not Easily Broken had a lovely cast that really played their roles well. I could really see this movie being a great DVD flick or afternoon matinee movie. It’s not really one of those memorable types of films. Sure, I laughed, teared up a bit and got upset with some of the characters, but I didn’t talk back to the screen like half of the audience. For me, this is not the kind of flick where I would say, “I’m going to buy this when it comes out.”

Not Easily Broken tells the story of Dave (Morris Chestnut, The Perfect Holiday) and Clarice (Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) after they’ve experienced ten years of marriage. Dave was a promising pro baseball player whose career ended when he hurt his leg. Now he earns a modest pay as the owner of a very small construction firm. Clarice, on the other hand, enjoys her success as a big time real estate agent that supports their fancy lifestyle. Dave doesn’t care about all the material things. He’s a basic man who enjoys coaching a boys’ baseball team and one day soon would like to be a father. Mmm, but does sista girl want to be a mother? Drama mounting.

Clarice and Dave have a relationship where their true feelings have been hidden for a while. Clarice loves Dave, but she wishes he’d step up his business game. Dave isn't happy that he’s not doing the dang thing, but Clarice’s career is putting off his dream of being a father. These issues make for a relationship that is starting to get a little testy. You can tell they love each other, but they want something more from each other.

Suddenly, an unforeseen circumstance totally disrupts their lives and truly tests their marriage. Look, without giving everything away, remember this is a T.D. Jakes story, so the moral of this story is going along the lines of, ”Keep God in the center of your marriage”. However, Dave and Clarice allow their own desires, family and friends get in the middle of things.

Now I want to tell you more, although, knowing less about particulars helps you get into this movie. When Claire and Dave start to deal with this “unforseen circumstance”, it provides both an opening for outside people to influence their marriage, as well as their internal frustrations. The director did a good job at throwing this central element into the movie, so I’m not going to do what other reviewers do and spoil the best parts.

Morris Chestnut must be the go to guy for black ensemble casts where the leading man must deal with relationship issue. I’m not complaining at all. I enjoy his movies. They’re safe and predictable. Unlike a box of chocolates, you always know what you’re going to get.

Taraji is a feisty actress. I love that about her, you never have to wonder what she is thinking. Lady just brings it with every fiber of her being. I really like her as an actress. She always comes off as that best girlfriend who has your back.

There’s even some comic relief in this flick with Dave’s best friend Tree (Kevin Hart, Fool’s Gold) I really enjoyed his character. He didn’t mind showing his sensitive man side and tearing up a bit in front of his boys. Awww, I’m such a sucka. I thought it was cute and funny.

This flick’s subplots were okay. They did tie into the main story, but they felt somewhat forced and fake. Oh, and be ready for the DRAMA because it comes like a freight train with the yelling, crying and typical nagging in-law. Broken does have a good message and makes you truly think about your own relationships and if there is interference or what you may need to improve. Things may not be wrong, but the grind of life (and writing reviews) can suck a lot of valuable time out of a relationship. I just say—work it out.

My husband and I are both so busy during the week, and we both have big projects. He’s a budding entrepreneur and I’m building an online audience. We help each other, but many times we’re at our computers, typing away, and sneaking in a few episodes of Martin to get a good laugh. We saw this movie together and we plan to make our upcoming Vegas trip a chance to relax, reflect, and make out marriage forever not easily broken.

Even though this film is based on the book by TV Evangelist T.D. Jakes, it's not too preachy. It's just the right amount to get you to feel and understand the message. This isn't a bad film. If you're skeptical about going to the theater to see it, make sure to at least rent it.

My Rating ~ 3 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)