Terry McMillan announced today that the screenplay to the “Waiting to Exhale” sequel, “Getting To Happy”, is almost finished and the movie should be coming to theaters sometime next year. It would be great if all the original cast members signed on for the project because the cast helped make this film the classic that it is to black women today. So while we ponder what new changes will be in store for the sequel, let’s reflect back on some great moments from the original.
The Soundtrack
We had no idea we were in for a double treat when this movie came out. Not only were we thoroughly entertained in the theater, we could take a piece of the movie with us. Black women across the world wore the mess out of that soundtrack. Mentally replaying the movie as we listened, made the songs that much more powerful. Especially Mary J’s “Not Gon’ Cry”. Babyface is truly a genius.
Burning Down the Car
Apparently in the 90s black women went through a “burn it down” phase. Between Left Eye and Angela Bassett, men across the nation were walking on egg shells. Of course cheating ways don’t help the situation. But in Beradine’s/Angela’s case it was a tie between the burning down of the car and that severe strut she did as she walked away from the destruction.
Whitney Houston
Remember the days when Whitney Houston was a still a media darling and that drug addiction was still under raps? We were too excited to see Whitney was in the film and the girl did her thing. Not only did she serve as an anchor for the crew, she sang quite a few of the songs on that fabulous soundtrack.
The Realness
From the thoughts in Whitney/Savannah’s head when ole dude was growling on top of her to the confession Lela/Robin makes to Bernadine about her abortion, the book and the movie brought the realness. We all knew or know somebody who resembled those characters. And while some of their reactions might have been a little too outrageous for real life (i.e. burning down a car), those characters had women asking themselves which one was most like them.
Big Girls Need Love Too
Whether you’re a self proclaimed “big girl” or not, you have to admit it was nice to see the fluffier sister getting some love on the big screen. The love affair between Gloria and Marvin was syrupy sweet, something like a high school crush. And fortunately he didn’t turn out to be a loser. The man was good to her, served as a role model to her son and told her about herself when she was dead wrong. Plus those kissing scenes between the late Gregory Hines and Loretta Devine looked very passionate…and convincing.
“You Don’t Need a Man” Message
How many “romantic comedies” end without the girl getting the guy? Not that many. It was refreshing to see women work through their attachment to no-good men, emerging on the other side, content and fulfilled. Sure this wasn’t exactly a pro-men message, but it’s certainly one the single black woman in her thirties could stand to hear.
Forest Whitaker
Whitaker directed a smaller movie for TV, before he took on the literary classic, in “Waiting to Exhale” but it’s impressive that he was able to do such an amazing job with his first feature film. It’s pretty powerful that a movie, that was so commercially successful started with an African American author, was directed by an African American and featured an all African American cast.
Success
Speaking of commercial success, the movie garnered $14.1 million during it’s first weekend, solidifying its place as the top grossing film that weekend. The film cost $15 million to make. Can we say profit? Despite the success of McMillan’s book, the numbers still came as a surprise. Little did they know the black audience is not to be underestimated when it comes to the film industry.
Lack of Stereotypes
Sure there was the bitter, black woman element but aside from that, this story could have been told with characters of any race and it still would have worked. You know something is worth its salt when it has the potential to connect universally.
Importance of Female Friendships
There’s always this constant battle between the “I love my girls” and “I can’t stand women” cliques. This one was in favor of the true sister friends who are there to listen to your problems, call you on your foolishness and most importantly celebrate your triumphs. There was drama but the ending still left you feeling warm and fuzzy.
