My review was written in November 1991 after a screening on Manhattan's UES.
"Strictly Business" is a feel-good comedy about young blacks moving up the social ladder that could do solid business if audiences respond to a kinder, gentler type of picture.
Film eschews the gritty approach of recent black-themed pics for a Pollyannaish tale in which even the top white execs are portrayed as reasonable and fair-minded. Crossing class and social barriers is the issue here, not race.
The two heroes, debuting on the big screen after TV experience are handsome Joseph C. Phillips, intent on earning a partnership in a leading New York real estate firm, and streetwise Tommy Davidson, his friend in the mailroom who dreams of making the management trainee program.
Key link between the two is beautiful restaurant hostess Halle Berry, with whom Phillips is immediately infatuated. Davidson knows her from the 'hood and agrees to fix them up in return for Phillips' help at work.
Comedy comes from Phillips having to learn how to relate to Berry and other blacks since his nerdish success-oriented behavior has turned him into an insular workaholic.
Except for the forced, strictly wish-fulfillment final reel, the film is kept evenly on track by a light touch from debuting director Kevin Hooks, also a TV recruit.
Phillips displays impressive comic timing in executing some hilarious physical shtick and is complemented by the verbal savvy of stand-up comic Davidson. Anne Marie Johnson as Phillips' bossy girlfriend barks out orders during sex like a drill sergeant and earns some big laughs. Sam Jackson ("Jungle Fever") demonstrates his versatility as the mailroom boss.
Given a glamorous intro not unlike Bo Derek in "10" (complete with slow-mo torso photography), Berry is pic's revelation as a sexy and intelligent young woman. She's featured next in Warner Bros.' Christmas pic "The Last Boy Scout".
Film benefits from an infectious score by Micchel Colombier and several rap tunes by top artists like L. L. Cool J and Big Daddy Kane.
