How to Be a Player

This move was fair because it was a story that featured over dramatic funny events. It also gave a insight how a guy was able to be a player. Some women like, Marie Marrow, aka Katrina, actually enjoyed men who were about game. I will admit there were parts in this movie that they could of cut out but one could easily figure out what was going to happen before the scene occurred. I would not suggest ever seeing this at a movie theater but this is a funny rental that I think one would get either by themselves or with good friends. I do not think this movie set African Americans back in anyway. This movie was a typical funny movie that was just over dramatizing relationships and situations.

This film was a travesty for African-American films, it probably killed several deals for quality African-American films to get made. The only thing I can find good in it, was the beautiful actress Mari Morrow, who had nothing good to work with in the material. She is reduced to just a lovely piece of eye candy amongst the madness.

The performance of Bill Bellamy was buttressed by that of his character's sister played by Natalie Desselle and the on-screen charm of Mari Morrow. Features lots of notable models and magnetic beautiful women from the 90's we love seeing like Lark Voorhies, Beverly Johnson, or Elise Neal. The target male audience seems to take strong favor to the film, although the original reception of this movie may have been skewed because of the fandom of Bellamy and his notoriety as a VJ and Def Jam Comedian. Females may be very turned off by the lack of depth and character development exhibited by the main character, Dray.

Ultimately a lot of the shock value of seeing these beautiful women fight over the main character faded by the climaxing scene of the party where Jenny sought to get her "pimp" brother caught. Should we categorize Dray as a sympathetic character, no. Nevertheless, Dray's presentation as a central protagonist contrasts Jenny who is positioned as the primary antagonist. A lot of female viewers likely appreciated the Jenny's combative attitude toward Dray. However, it failed to drive the resolution, and the viewers may have been left unsatisfied with the final scenes of the story.

Given the young, yet mature adult age of the starring cast and setting (Malibu) Jenny's motives of setting her brother up seem misguided and juvenile. Jenny's torment of Dray for mocking her about an unrequited love seems hypocritical and a bit overblown, even for the trademark histrionic performances of Natalie Desselle which made her so lovable on screen. *(in loving memory of Natalie Desselle)* Script should be better; this is a Def Jam production! After all.

The quality of acting exceeded the bare bones writing though. The comedic set ups were good. Not exceptional. The catfight with David's girl and mistress entertained me the most.

By the second half of this film, its hard to follow the logic of many of the characters. If Loose ends like Bernie Mac's cameo and Jenny's sweet revenge were better integrated by directors, more of the plot would make sense. In such, my rating leverages the drastically different viewing experience of the female and male audience, my own lingering appetite for stronger punchlines, and more cohesive cinematic setup. This unique film offers a lot of 90's nostalgia but lacks the depth and that other ensemble cast comedies of its time were able to achieve.

David, played by Pierre Edwards was a solid supporting character, just like Katrina played by Mari Morrow.

If Def Jam can get this onto Hulu or backed by a major streaming provider, no doubt the young men aged 18-30 would likely love it just as the men of the 90's did. The acting charm of Bill Bellamy, Mari Morrow, Natalie Ann Desselle Reid, and even Gilbert Gottfried makes the watch worth it.

OK, I remember watching this movie and yeah, it is silly, i didn't once think "oh this is going to be ground breaking stuff". You have to look at the audience the movie is targeted for. Fact is, there are people out there that are "players" and "Haters". You get a good picture of both in this movie. I thought the most interesting thing in this movies was how the main character was describing just how he was getting over on the ladies. Now i admit, in another life, some of the SAME stuff he was "doing", I did. So it cracked me up seeing it on a big screen for all to see. This one of those movies where you are with your buddies, having a few beers, and want to waste some time. I have seen BAD movies before, and trust me, this is far from being the worst.

Bill Bellamy goes on his rounds of women, most of them married or in a long-term relationship, while his gang of acolytes wait in the car outside. Meanwhile, his sister, Natalie Desselle Reid, is gathering his women to confront him with them together.

A;though the visuals remain thoroughly cinematic throughout, there are several occasions when the performances become very stagey. Also, despite the variety of beautiful women and the poses, the humor remains very juvenile throughout. Bernie Mac, as a cuckolded husband, remains more concerned about his houseplants than his wife. Max Julien has a nice bit as an older player, and Gilbert Gottfried, plays his squinty, raspy-voiced character as a voyeur.