Sidewalks On The Corner

Chris Rock has enjoyed success as a stand-up comedian, as well as the host of his own comedy talk show. He has even ventured into the Hollywood world as an actor with small parts and has worked his way up the ladder to writer / director / producer status. He written and directed "Head of State," with writing partner Ali LeRoi, and now makes his return to that side of the camera with writing partner Louis C.K. in the romantic comedy for adults, "I Think I Love My Wife.” With this new film, Rock takes on a grown up role.

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Rock stars as Richard Cooper, a very successful investment banker at a prestigious financial firm. At first, Richard seems content with his life. He has a wife, two kids, and a fabulous career. What more could he ask for. The only problem is, he's bored stiff with it all and wishes for a little spice in his life. Until one day, out of the blue, an old friend, the beautiful, but demanding Nikki Tru (Kerry Washington), drops by the office. They begin to rekindle their old friendship, and -- lets just say -- a friendship that becomes a roller coaster ride for Cooper. In the process of catching up with each other, Cooper starts to question his marriage to his wife (Gina Torres), because the flame has gone out of the relationship, and has doubts about his life in general.

As for the female leads in the cast, Torres and Washington are perfectly picked for this film. The sophisticated and lovely Torres (Cleopatra 2525, Firefly, "Serenity"), who is best known for television, has stepped up her game in the acting realm and has grown well as an actress. Torres is believable as the prim and proper and stiff Brenda Cooper, who keeps her husband in line, which sends him over the line later in the movie. Washington is an underestimated and is somewhat a little known actress; however, she has had significant rolls in previous films: she recently co-stared with Forest Whitaker as the wife of Gen. Idi Amin Dada in the "The Last King of Scotland” and stared in "Ray" as one of the wives of Ray Charles. For her “I Think I Love My Wife” character, Nikki Tru, the role is not a big break away character for Washington, who is pretty diverse in her roles. She has played a similar part in the movie, "She Hate Me" as a scheming bi-sexual girlfriend who talks her ex into impregnating her lesbian friends. But Washington has taken it up a notch, playing a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl. She smokes, parties and puts the confused Cooper at risk in losing it all.

Rock also plays the straight man to Steve Buscemi's character, business partner and cheating husband George, who thinks Richard is cheating as well. Other co-stars include Cassandra Freeman ("Inside Man", "The Things We Do For Love") -- who at age 23, almost seem too young for her roll -- and Stephen A. Smith (sports journalist Quit Frankly, ESPN: Game Century), who play husband and wife and the friends of the Coopers. Making some brief appearances are funny man Orlando Jones, who plays Nikki’s old boyfriend, and Eva Pigford (America's Next Top Model) playing a club patron.

As the film’s director, Chris Rock has really stretched his legs as a filmmaker and found a formula that works. His direction is fresh and simple, and he doesn’t take too many risks with shot composition. His acting has seriously improved over the years, and Rock has really embodied his character of Richard Cooper. This is Chris Rock’s best film to date. And it looks like his career as a filmmaker may be a bright one. "I Think I Love My Wife" is a must see and guaranteed to make you laugh. It's for grown ups who want a comedy about adults and relationships. Excellent movie.