Pretty Good

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

I want to begin by chiding a couple of our reviewers. On the one hand, a couple of our reviewers seem to think that if a movie isn't dripping with alleluias, then it isn't telling a moral story. Others seem to think that any hint of morality makes it not a popular movie. Well, both groups of people are off base. This is a good, moral tale which represents people similar to some that I know. They're not perfect people, but they are people searching for a meaningful life and meaningful relationships. I am primarily a Buddhist, but if everyone I knew tried to live their lives as the main characters in this film, we'd be living in a better world. So if you are running away from this film because you think it may be too religious, don't; it's an excellent drama.I'm a big Morris Chestnut fan. I think he's very underrated as an actor, and I think this film really allows him to demonstrate his dramatic abilities which he successfully underplays here. It's perfect.This was also a good role for Taraji P. Henson, as Chestnut's wife, and also we get a little taste of "Cookie", she also shows some class here in some more quiet moments. She does a very nice job here.Maeve Quinlan is excellent as a grief-stricken mother and the almost-third wheel in the Chestnut-Henson marriage. Particularly toward the end of the film, she is very strong here.Kevin Hart before we really knew Kevin Hart. Shows potential here that was later realized. Eddie Cibrian plays another "buddy", and does nicely.My only real criticism here is the role played by Jenifer Lewis as Henson's mother. She beginning to get typecast in this same role...if you watch "Blackish", you'll know what I mean. She great at it, but I'd like to see her do other things, as well.The story is, in my view, fairly realistic and even a bit underplayed. That's to its credit. Yes, it has a moralistic tone to it, but it doesn't hit you over the head in a preachy way.I rarely give an "8", but this film deserved it.

Directed by the great Bill Duke (the big black guy from PREDATOR), NOT EASILY BROKEN is tailored for the black Christian market like a black suit and tie is tailored for a Reservoir Dog.Dave Johnson (Morris Chestnut) is married to a screeching harridan (Taraji P. Henson), who seems to possess no redeeming qualities except two mungus ta-tas - but that ain't no reason to be married to the bitch. Apparently, the knotted rope the priest entwined around their bodies when he declared them married signified God had something to do with the state contract, so - like all good christians - Dave and Screechy FEAR what might happen were they to break that bond.As it happens, Dave's life gets progressively better when he leaves Screechy for awhile and sniffs around the white MILF who looks like Bo Derek (Maeve Quinlan - peachy!) Subplots abound, as Screechy winds up in hospital after a great, realistic car accident that actually shuts her mouth mid-screech; the MILF's son dies in a swimming pool accident (pretty gruesome stuff for a minor character, only for the sake of leaving her vulnerable to Dave); Kevin Hart provides a few laughs as Dave's Crazy Black Dude friend and Eddie Cibrian is the Token White Dude friend.But nothing on heaven or earth will deter this film from irrationally, non-believably reconciling Screechy with Dave - because what God has bound together is supposedly Not Easily Broken. And the black Christian folk cheer at the screen - and go home to their listless, loveless marriages...--Review by Poffy The Cucumber (for Poffy's Movie Mania).

Not Easily Broken is based off of a novel, which kind of makes you wonder why it wasn't any better. The religious undertones became such a turnoff after a while, I just didn't care anymore.A married couple struggles with their marriage soon after a car accident and rely on faith to bring them back together. That's pretty much the whole story, let alone only one likable character throughout the entire film. Over-dramatics play out their course, and you've got to wonder why the main character is being punished by staying with his bitchy wife when he would clearly be happier with the white woman he forms a bond with.Overall, this is just an unlikable movie if you're not into faith. Despite good performances from Morris Chestnut and Traji P. Henson, there's nothing more to gain from this. However, it isn't agonizing to sit through, though.

Dear Bill Duke,I would like to thank you on behalf of real brothers that exist in the world. I enjoyed and was encouraged as a man by viewing this film.As a local filmmaker, I'm going to promote this film as a must see for real men and women in my local Cleveland community. I'll continue to prove that there are still real men of integrity, honor, and trust. Thank you again for painting another picture of real issues and struggles that plague the good men of our society. Much success in all our your endeavors!David B.A good and honest life is a blessed memorial,.......Prov.10:7 (Message Bible)