Funny moments, but a Forgettable Effort
Just don’t go to Vegas…ever. That’s what I think whenever a new movie about a Vegas trip gone wrong comes out. Think Like a Man Too is another Vegas hijinks movie.
In Think Like a Man Too, we are reunited with the couples from the original, as they get together in Vegas for the wedding of Candace (Regina Hall) and Michael (Terrence Jenkins), before splitting up into gender based groups for the Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. From there, we are treated to Bridesmaids for the girls (Tarji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Wendi McClendon-Covey, and La La Anthony) and the Hangover from the guys (Kevin Hart and a bunch of other guys I can’t be bothered to Google). Relationships are tested through standard clichés like parenting, competing careers and commitment while Kevin Hart runs around with a seemingly endless well of energy and one-liners.
I will say the movie had its funny moments, with most of the coming from Kevin Hart, who really stole the show. Most of the members of this huge ensemble cast remain firmly planted in his shadow through most of the movie.
The heart that was in the first version is gone. In number one, we saw real character development and real discussions on important issues. In number 2, we saw those same issues get recycled, while everything is explained away through stupid metaphoric voiceovers.
Sure, it’s funny, but it’s much lighter and much less developed than the original. Despite a huge cast of characters in the original, the script still found a way to make all the characters clever and emotionally captivating. In number 2, we’re left with poorly developed characters and a hell of a lot more slapstick from Kevin Hart. Wendi McClendon-Covey is fantastic, but she was barely a shadow in this movie. Other than her connection to Bridesmaids, it seemed entirely unnecessary for her to be in the movie.
When compared to other pre-wedding movies, Think Like a Man Too is a forgettable effort. It seemed written quickly in order to cash in on the success of the original, while completely forgetting what made the original so good in the first place.
The direction doesn’t help. There are too many things going on. We have voiceovers, panoramic shots of Caesar’s Palace, flipping point of views between the couples and Kevin Hart’s antics. This results in a confusing ensemble of characters that you forget about as soon as you see them.
If it wasn’t for Kevin Hart, this movie might be entirely forgettable. Luckily, Hart shines and really gives some funny moments that make the movie worth watching. In fact, while watching it, you might find yourself ignoring all the other scenes while you wait for Kevin Hart to show up again.
It’s not terrible, but it’s not the best movie even made either. It’s currently riding on the coattails of the original, but if Think Like a Man Too had been released on its own, it would have been easily forgotten.  Watch the Official Trailer:
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