About Last Night (15)

Directed by Steve Pink

4 Stars

The trials and tribulations of dating, relationships and the one-night stand are explored to hilarious effect in this smartly drawn remake of the 1986 Rob Lowe and Demi Moore film About Last Night.

Whether a one-night stand can turn into a long term relationship or not is one of the burning questions posed and dissected in this insightfully entertaining romantic comedy in which both men and women talk frankly about sex and their partners.

Kevin Hart finally comes into his own as the loudmouthed Bernie who, though mildly annoying, is for once likeable.

Michael Ealy plays his handsome wingman Danny who accompanies Bernie on a double date with the fiery Joan (Regina Hall) and her boring best friend Debbie (Joy Bryant).

Inadvertently, Danny and Debbie end up in bed together and quickly embark on a relationship. They move in together and get a puppy but then the rot sets in. Meanwhile the volatile Bernie and Joan are all about hot, animalistic sex.

Hall gives as good as she gets opposite Hart, who delivers his killer one-liners with adroit comic precision.

With engaging performances from all and an astute observation about the minutiae of relationships, this is a surprisingly joyous ride which will give couples food for thought.

Maria Duarte