I will admit it, I enjoy a good romantic comedy. I was also a fan of Sex and the City but I wasn’t sure how an expanded plot would play out on the big screen. My early intel told me not to expect much so I went into the movie with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. Although lots of folks hated the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed the main story lines. I even shed lots of tears (yeah, I know that’s corny).
About an hour into the movie I kept wondering when Jennifer Hudson would make her appearance. I was aware that she was the lone spot of color in this love letter to the New York City so I secretly hoped her role would be memorable (even if it were small). It wasn’t. In fact, I would say that Jennifer’s role in the movie was the biggest disappointment of all. Her character, Louise, was one-dimensional at the most.
Over the past few days I have been thinking about Louise and I have decided that her character is a modern day version of the same role we’ve been playing for decade. Although she was called a “personal assistant” much of her job resembled that of a maid/housekeeper (and confidante fits neatly in that role too). She was putting away clothes, coveting the fine things the lady of the house owned and of course trying to keep her employer on track. And of course, squealed with delight then got teary-eyed when Carrie gifted her with luxury goods.
We got a quick glimpse into Louise’s life (if you blinked, you missed it). But if you noticed there was no dialogue in St. Louis. She even got her man (although they couldn’t give the brother one good line). Jennifer had to give her character life by trying to tell her story through her eyes (it didn’t really work).
My solace is knowing that at least I won’t have to wait too long to see Jennifer in a more meaty role. Later this year, she’ll hit the big screen in the role of Rosaleen yet another caregiver/maid role in The Secret Life of Bees. But this time she will be integral in telling a powerful story instead of serving as the black girl who came to the City.
