Customer Reviews

Hav Plenty [VHS]

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

"Hav Plenty" is based on a true story. Lee Plenty (Christopher Cherot) is a sarcastic yet sensitive guy who spends New Year's Eve with his female friend, Havilland Savage. We're not quite sure why they bicker so much or what kind of relationship they have, but when her neurotic friend and her dissatisfied sister are added to the mix, we see Lee and Hav's relationship evolve. What emerges is a sweet, sexy mix of humor and originality that is lacking from average romantic comedies. "Hav Plenty" works on many levels. It is smart without taking itself too seriously and it is full of humor without being over the top. With his tussled hair and almost ratty sweater, Christopher Cherot is absolutely scrumptious... intelligent and witty, yet truly fine and charming. He tells his true story with an honest smile that makes the audience hope like heck that he gets the girl. This movie is something different, something above average, something to see with your man or your girls or both.

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!

I'm an avid movie buff but I don't usually watch independent movies. I have to admit though that my thinking has changed since seeing this movie. It was truly refreshing to watch characters that we can relate to in an everyday "normal" lifestyle and not that gangsta genre that has labeled people of color. This is a must see for those in agreement! I have watched this movie at least 12 times and I still find it appealing each time I see it. My favorite scene is when he goes to Hav's bedroom door in a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. The look on his face and on the face of Mickey is priceless! It will definitely be added to my collection.

Kudos to Kenneth BabyFace & Tracy Edmonds for believing in this independent/low budget film. It really is a story that needed to be shared with the world.

The film opens up with a Biblical Scripture, Philippians 4:12. The story begins in New York with Christopher Scott Cherot (writer, director, actor) house sitting for a friend played by Chenoa Maxwell. He is a writer that is down on his luck at the moment. He is homeless and broke. Chenoa Maxwell plays Haviland (Hav) and she calls to check on her home and cat. After she discovers that her house sitter has no girlfriend or plans for the holidays...she invites him to spend New Year's Eve in Washington, D.C. where she is with her mother, sister, brother in law and friends. He drives five hours to be with them and that is where the story starts to evolve.

The main friend of Hav's is Caroline, whose character is best described as a snooty twit. She makes a play for Cherot, but he turns her down. Caroline adds a lot of laughter and somewhat comedic appeal to the movie. The sister, Leigh, is a newlywed and having a small problem with her husband because she has not found her place in life yet. In the midst of her confusion, she wants to kiss Cherot just once so that she will not obsess over him. He refuses her too and he is also the only one who really understands her dilemma. Thanks to Cherot, Leigh will find her place and make amends with her husband before the movie ends. The love scene between her and husband Felix is cute, funny and romantic. The music playing at the time is also very nice and sets the tone for the scene perfectly.

Hav is mad with her Fiance played by Hill Harper. He is a famous singer/pretty boy. He has been cheating on her. It is hard to really tell if the attraction between Cherot and Maxwell is mutual, which makes the movie even more unique and holds the viewer's attention. Hav is uppity and prefers to rub shoulders with the elite, famous and whose who. Lee Plenty (Cherot) is down to earth, not easily impressed and seemingly content and not ashamed of his current station in life. She seems to want him to be more on her level in order to be deemed worthy in her eyes. He wants someone who would rather decorate a xmas tree than go to a party type woman. All facts being as they are, he can't seem to leave after New Years. Each time he attempts to leave, Hav comes up with a reason for him to stay longer. Her grandmother meets him on New Year's Day and tells Hav that he will be her husband one day, but she dismisses her grandmother's wit and wisdom.

Cameo appearances at the end of the movie are made by Shemar Moore, Nia Long, Chili (TLC), Lauryn Hill and Mekhi Phifer. Other stars are Tammi Katherine Jones and Reginald Jones.

This movie is a must see! It is unique being a movie within a movie or story within a story. It is a love story that stands apart from others such as Jason's Lyric and Love Jones...but the quality is equal. BabyFace and his wife Tracy also make a brief cameo appearance since this IS A TRUE STORY. Also, I like the play with words/names for the title. You will get that part after you watch the movie...simply charming!

I'd just like to congrdulate Christopher Cherot on this film. For the first time in a long time black people have the opportunity see themselves in a positive way without over doing it. I thought that the film had a great plot as well as realistic characters. I loved every actor in the film. I've seen it so many times I feel as though I know them personally. When I first rented the film I didn't have any idea whatso ever as to what the film would be about, but after watching it for seven times in a row, all I can say is "True Love". HavPlenty is by far one of my favorite films of all time to watch.

I have been looking for this DVD in England where i live, it fisrt sparked my interest whilst watching television. And I was unsuccessfull for some time and then i ordered from america. Even though i do not have multi region DVD player i am glad to finally own a copy of this movie. I would suggest that if you can see this movie, do.

the first time i saw this movie it was by pure chance. i had no idea as to what to expect... talk about finding a diamond in the rough. it was brilliantly written, directed, and the acting was perfect. in watching the movie, you feel as if you are in the story as a silent witness to this amazingly funny and sometimes weird story. to me, this is a cult classic... even if i am the only person in the cult.

Why hasn't Christopher Scott Cherot acted since Hav Plenty? He is amazing in this film. I need more of that sarcastic, I don't care if you like me or not attitude. And the film itself is amazing. It is the first to manage to portray affluent blacks in a vast array. The characters reflect dignity. Sure there's some snobbishness, but it's discouraged throughout. The reluctant romance between Haviland and Lee are kept central, but humor dominates the film. Cherot is downright outrages. Chenoa Maxwell is a perfect cold-blooded stiff and Robinne Lee somehow manages to downplay her stunning beauty enough to pull of the little sister role. It's the characters and the dialogue, not a big budget that make this a must own. No clowny, cartoony buffoonery going on. It's just how we are. Colorfully diverse black people.

I'm not good with "catchy" phrases like "This movie is a must see!" So please excuse this review if it is a bit bland. All I have to say is that this is one of the best movies that I have seen. It is simple yet sophisticated and can be watched again and again...It is worth it!!!

This is one of the most honest movies I have ever seen. True story (those who saw movie will understand). I have enjoyed the acting of all actors and the fact that they were natural whole time. This movie was shown on local Tv in Yugoslavia twice and I have recorded it, now I watch this movie once per month (ever month). My girlfriend also likes "hev Plenty" (yes!!!) and she ussualy does not like such movies so you know this movie is great!

Best wishes to all "Hav Plenty" fans and to Christopher Scott Cherot.

P.S. I'm currently working on the book that is in a certain way conected with this movie...