"Jumping the Broom" The 3rd production movie by T.D. Jakes.

I went to the cinema last weekend with my wife to watch “Jumping the Broom”, currently showing at the cinemas in Nigeria. I was interested because I heard that Pastor T.D. Jakes was involved in it and that film was about marriage. He is one of the producers of the film and he makes a cameo appearance too.  In my mind, I felt it would be like one of the Tyler Perry’s earlier movies – Why did I get married? , e.t.c. I have a soft spot for African American films and marriage.

This is the third production effort of Pastor T.D. Jakes. Pastor T.D. Jakes is the founding pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas. Other films produced by Pastor T.D. Jakes, include 2004’s “Woman, thou art loosed” and 2009's “Not Easily Broken”. “Jumping the Broom” is a wedding story which involves two people from different backgrounds. Chaos ensues when the two families are brought together for the big day.  In this case, the difference between the families is class.   I would stop here so that I do not spoil the fun for those who haven’t watched it.

The cast is made up of well-known stars like Angela Bassett [Nothing But the Truth], Loretta Devine [Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family], Laz Alonso, Avatar.

Well, first up, this is not a film for children hence its rating, PG -13 because of its sexual connotation. I was a bit embarrassed about some of the scenes because I didn’t think it was appropriate. But it is typical of our world today and it brings up issues that Christians know about but are not willing to talk about it. It certainly would draw non-Christians unwittingly into thinking about Christian way of dealing with issues.

Pastor T.D. Jakes

Sex is ever-present in this film both as a plot line and a topic of conversation. The movie begins with a scene of lead actress, Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) after having casual sex. Ooops! A sultry rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” by one of the cast members was almost uncomfortable for me. To some movie goers, this scene might be seen as permissible since the song was approved/applauded and seen as a reminder of one of America’s late, great musicians. Another interesting plot is a college boy’s pursuit of a much older woman which is played for laughs. I thought it gave an approval to the “Cougar” mentality.

To the opening scene, Pastor Jakes says he wanted to portray that although our goal should always be the pursuit to becoming better humans, people will make mistakes on the way.

Overall, it is a surprisingly touching and sincere comedy for mature audiences.

By the way, for those who don’t know, “Jumping the broom” refers to a tradition from slave days, when those who did not have the legal right to marry marked their commitment to each other by a ceremonial hop over a broom.

Go out and see the movie.

For those who have watched the movie, what do you think?