5 Hidden Gem Black Romantic Comedies

 

It's that time again when love is in the air. Dudes that have been slacking all year go overboard, while everyone else either celebrates or says I love you and keep it moving. However you celebrate Valentine's Day with your significant other. You can never go wrong with a good movie to watch.

For every Boomerang, Love Jones, and Love & Basketball. There are a abundance of Black led romance films, that for whatever reason many haven't heard of or it just didn't get its due. With that, here are five hidden gem Black romance movies.

5. Strictly Business

I wrote a blog on this back in 2021 to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. I'm adding it to this list because this is one film I will die on a hill trying to get people to see it.

It's a simple love story with partnerships, 90's vibes and New Jack Swing mixed in. Give a chance and you can learn some lessons in it.

4. The Perfect Match

Starring Cassie and Terrance J, The Perfect Match was released in 2016. Terrance J. plays Charlie a modern day noncommittal womanizer. He meets Eva played by Cassie a talented and mysterious singer/actress.

Soon enough they start kicking it and Charlie realizes he wants a bit more of their relationship. The film has a good message of not setting expectations when initially meeting and dating someone, and go with it to see how it goes.

3. Disappearing Acts

Disappearing Acts is a 2000 HBO original movie stars Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes, based on a book from Terry McMillan. Sanaa and Wesleys characters are on opposite ends of the educational and career spectrum.

Upon starting a relationship they navigate bumps and bruises. Withholding information and encouraging one another. Find this hidden gem and give it a shot.

2. Sprung

Sprung is one of those films either you've seen it or you haven't. Talking to people it seems a lot more folks haven't seen than have. Released in 1997 the film follows Montel (Rusty Cundieff who also wrote and directed) and Brandy (Tisha Campbell Martin) who start a blossoming romance. While they're friends Clyde (Joe Torry) and Adina (Paula Jai Parker) who fell apart after a one night stand based on lies, seek out to sabotage the relationship as it gets serious.

The film is about true love overcoming obstalces near and far. It's by no means a laugh out loud or great film, but it has some endearing qualities about relationships.

1. Southside With You

Southside With You is a simple romantic film that was released in 2016 to substantial buzz. Set in 1989, the film follows future president Barack Obama played by Parker Sawyer, going on a first date with his future wife and first Lady Michelle Obama (Tika Sumpter).

Both are ambitious young individuals but that's not what the film focuses on. Instead it shows their walk through the park, museum visits and late night treat of ice cream. Simple things that build connections to lead to long term relationships. Even with the buzz, the film wasn't a box office hit or even a cult classic afterwards. It has a message about seeing the potential in someone even if they aren't there yet.

Watch the movie you may learn a thing or two.

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Hidden Gem Theater: Strictly Business

It's the 30th anniversary of a movie called "Strictly Business". Now I love this movie but surprisingly I know maybe only 5 other people that have even heard of the movie. Which is quite a shame because it is actually a very good fun movie, and reflective of the culture back then and now.

Strictly Business stars Tommy Davidson, Joseph C. Phillips, and Halle Berry in her first starring role. Tommy's character Bobby is a mailroom clerk at a big Manhattan firm that dabbles in commercial real estate. Joseph's character is Waymon Tinsdale. A high level executive at said firm.

Bobby would like Waymon to mentor him to grow in the company, but Waymon has a stick so far up his ass he believes Bobby acts too Black for the corporate world. That is until Waymon learns Bobby is an acquaintance of Halle Berry's Natalie, who Waymon is smitten by and wants to get to know.

The two decide to partner up and help one another get what they want. As a kid when I saw the movie I just thought it was a funny movie starring Tommy Davidson who of course was making stomachs hurt on In Living Color and the guy from the Cosby Show.

Now as an adult the movie touches on so many relevant topics. Black people having to behave a certain way to be successful in corporate environments. The crab in a barrel mentality amongst Black's. The power of networking and fostering relationships. Corporate politics and racism. Going after what you want and what's more important love or a career?

Strictly Business pulled in $7 million during its box office run. Which I guess is a modest success as I'm sure it didn't receive much promotion. The lack of promotio during it's theater run and afterwards may contribute to the lack of love the movie gets. It also isn't often shown on Cable TV you may catch it on a BET station late at night every now and then. It isn't widely available on any streaming platform, Prime video has it to rent for $3.99. When it really should be available for all to see on HBO Max in my opinion. 

Samuel L. Jackson before he became cool ass Uncle Sam has a role in the movie, Sam Rockwell who I only knew as the leader of the wannabe foot soldiers in Ninja Turtles has a role, and Jodeci have a brief part before they dropped their first album. Speaking of which, the movie is backed by a fire new jack swing era soundtrack led by Jeff Redd's single "You Called And Told Me"  courtesy of legendary Uptown Records. 

All which contributes to it's legacy in my opinion. It's a hidden gem deserving of so much more love and I highly suggest checking it out if you get the chance.

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