Rating: 
Summary: Promising Debut for Cherot
Review: Christopher Scott Cherot hits more than he misses in HAV PLENTY, his award-winning debut film. It tells the story of an extremely broke writer named Lee Plenty (Cherot), who is invited to hang out for New Year's with his soon-to-be-married college friend, Havilland Savage (Chenoa Maxwell) and a few of her "significant others." Along the way, issues about the true nature of their relationship are explored. Are they "just friends" or is their relationship more than platonic?Cherot is very appealing in his role. It is refreshing to see an African American man that is articulate without being particularly "cool." On the other hand, while a definite "looker," Maxwell is so cold and manipulative in her role, sometimes you wonder what Cherot's character sees in her. Maxwell has also appeared in COLD FEET, another film that's made the rounds of the festival circuit. Of the supporting cast, Tammi Catherine Jones almost steals the show as Caroline, Hav's buddy. Jones injects a comedic energy to all of her scenes that demand your attention. If given the opportunity, Jones could really shine in her own vehicle. Her expressive face seems particularly suited to the small screen. With the exception of a tiny role in the little seen, AMOUR INFINITY (a winner at the 2001 Hollywood Black Film Festival) and CASTING FOR GLINDA (a one-hour documentary that she directed), Jones appears to be amazingly silent in the movie biz. Hopefully not for long, because she's really the reason to check out this film. Robinne Lee is also worth watching in her role as Leigh (note spelling), Hav's unhappily married younger sister. Of the cast members, Robinne has probably worked the most since making this film. This romantic comedy has a breezy charm that is quite appealing. You really feel for Lee Plenty's struggles -- with his life and his relationship with Hav. Several of the dialog exchanges are also very good. Technically, it's on the level of a micro budget indie film. It's not slick -- which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware, particularly if you only watch big budget studio films. However, sometimes you wish that at least half the time was spent with Cherot's appearance as were the women in the film. A little makeup would have gone a long way for Cherot (not to say he's a bad looking brother, he isn't). In a case of "live imitates art," after the film was screened at the Acapulco Black Film Festival (where it received two awards including best film), it was picked up by Edmonds Entertainment, music mogul Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds's production company (they also produced SOUL FOOD). Apparently, after acquiring the film, the company felt that HAV PLENTY needed a new ending. What they came up with is hopelessly corny and adds little to the film. It appeared to be a classic example of what happens when there are "too many cooks in the kitchen." However, don't let that faux pas keep you from seeing this otherwise charming film. Without spoiling anyting, you'll know the added scenes have arrived when the technical quality rises abruptly (and you see some more familiar faces). If you wish, this might be a good time to stop the VCR (unless you want to fast forward to the credits). Christopher Scott Cherot was on to something with this film. This is especially true for the more educated and/or romantic among us, that don't relate too well to 'hood movies. There's a few missteps here and there (including scenes that should have been cut), but overall HAV PLENTY is worthy of your viewing consideration.
Rating: 
Summary: A MUST "HAV" I LOVED IT!
Review: Christopher Scott Cherot did a wonderful job in bringing comedy, romance, and realism to the screen in this movie. Hav Plenty is playful at times with undercurrents of sensuality running throughout. Cherot is adorable, (looking pitiful, yet confident about his writing) and I loved his talking to the camera at some crucial moments. If you want to watch a movie that will make u laugh out loud, tug at your heartstrings, and pull a smile at the end, get this movie. U will not be able to watch it just once. Oh, and the SOUNDTRACK is PHAT! The music to the armchair scene (very sexy, btw) prompted me to get it and I LOVE IT! All around, Hav Plenty is a great feel-good film. Hopefully Cherot will give us more. Peace. CLB.
Rating:
Summary: don't let the low budget fool you
Review: Surprisingly, this is one of the wittiest independent films I've seen in the last couple of years. Mr. Cherot's depiction of black love in the 90s is heartfelt and intelligent. The plot was riveting, the characters were rich, and I laughed through every unpredictable sequence. This was truly the "She's Got to Have It" of its time. I hope to see more of him and the cast in the future.
Rating:
Summary: don't let the low budget fool you
Review: Surprisingly, this is one of the wittiest independent films I've seen in the last couple of years. Mr. Cherot's depiction of black love in the 90s is heartfelt and intelligent. The plot was real, the actors were rich and I laughed through each unpredictable sequence. This was truly the "She's Got to Have It" of its time. I hope to see more of him and the cast in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I rented this movie and could barely make it to the end. The lead character is broke, smug and downright silly while the women are nasty and materialistic. There is no one to like in this film, the acting is mediocre at best, and the plot crawls along. As badly as Hav treated Lee, I desperately wanted to see him grow a backbone and walk away from her. That scene where she cussed him out after he confronts her for causing problems in her sister's new marriage made my blood boil. I don't know any man that would hang around after being spoken to that way. I don't see how anyone can seriously compare this film to Love Jones which was vastly superior. Love Jones had ambience, rich, multi-faceted characters and the cinematography was excellent. The same can not be said of Hav Plenty. I'm just glad that this was a free rental.
Rating: 
Summary: What A Movie!
Review: I wanted to see Hav Plenty when it was at the movies but never got around to it - what a big mistake on my part. I started watching it on cable last night and must admit that initially I wasn't impressed, but something wouldn't let me change the station. I'm so glad I kept watching. Like other reviewers, I know these people. And the story, although hilarious, was so real. I loved Lee Plenty, and although I didn't understand his attraction to Havilland, I desperately wanted him to end up with her. Mr. Cherot, wherever you are, WE WANT MORE! Keep writing and next time, I'll make sure I make it to the movies to catch your next offering.
Rating:
Summary: Just Marvelous
Review: I originally saw articles on Hav Plenty, but never saw the movie in the theatre. After renting the movie for the first time, I fell in love with all the characters. Christopher Cherot was awesome in sharing his experiences and with his acting debut in the film. It's one of those movies where the characters remind you of yourself or people you know. I was greatful to see people of color portrayed in a normal light. I love love stories and this one was spectacular, even after seeing a for the 15th time!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST-SEE!
Review: This is a lovely film, funny, poignant, tender, sexy and true. It is so well-written and portrayed that I felt like I knew these characters by the end. Hell, I've been some of those characters from time to time! Mr. Cherot was dead on the money with Hav Plenty. I cannot say enough good things about the writing, the cast, and the acting. Hav Plenty is a wonderful debut for Christopher Cherot; wherever he is, I hope that he is tapping into that facile and creative brain to bring us more. The only problem with this film is that there aren't 4 or 5 more Cherots out there. This is a man to watch.
Rating:
Summary: YOU WILL.,. watch this movie again & again! It's that good!
Review: I found this movie to be something that a lot of movies are really missing these days. Something with a unique story line and some fresh ideas. I've had to watch this movie (happily) again and again to catch all the sutff that I missed the first time from having to hit the rewind button on the remote so many times because I was laughing so hard! Simply a great and enjoyable movie. As a matter of fact, I'm back here this time to purchase one for a friend (which is something that I never do!). Then you'll be back to get your own copy, just like me. Definitely a film for the archives. A mellow sunshine on a rainy day kind of a movie. Honest!
Rating:
Summary: An indy cross between Love Jones and When Harry Met Sally.
Review: Two college friends spend some time together over the holidays. They experience some tension and then an emotional revelation regarding their underlying feelings towards each other. Along the way, the male lead's sarcastic humor offsets the cool, withdrawn nature of the female lead. There are some surprising cameos. I rented this movie with some friends and we totally enjoyed it. We watched it three times over a weekend. It is good to see Black people on the screen interact with each other and share intelligent dialogue without violence or self-degredation being the main themes. Are you listening Hollywood? There is a market for movies like this. Soul Food, The Wedding, and The Wood are also good movies to watch if you enjoy Hav Plenty.
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