I am a filmmaker. I understand the complexities when it comes to having an idea for a film and executing it. I understand that. But let's be honest, this film isn't at all what you expected it to be. For me, the film made me realize that not all African-American comedies are sheer foolishness. This story is simple, sweet, and at times, very funny. The acting was good from the principal cast, better than I thought it would be (especially from Wood Harris; he proves time after time that he is capable of taking on the most unusual and unique roles).To the reviews based on the film in general, you don't have to like (or review) every film you see. I don't like a lot of films for different reasons, whether it's based on the script, the acting, the directing, cinematography, etc. -but, that's not the issue here. The issue is the audience and lack of a critical response to what they felt went wrong with the film as a whole.
Movie makers want movie goers to appreciate their art, even respect it. So when I read these reviews on the film saying it was a "snooze fest" and "boring film", and the like, I get frustrated because I know how hard it is to get a project (especially a film project) executed. It's like a final exam. You study for it, get the test and read through all the questions thoroughly, and then answer them. You may get some answers right and wrong, but the main focus is the final grade. For those who misunderstood this analogy: the film is the final exam, the studying is the production, the questions represent the bad and good things about the film (acting, script, etc.), and the final grade is the feedback. So what do you have when you have unanswered questions to a test you didn't study for? You obviously get a bad film, but this film is far from bad. It is entirely watchable and different, opposed to the Tyler Perry flicks that make money for its buffoonery and post-modern minstrel shows.
"The Heart Specialist" gives me hope that African-American comedies will survive because for one, I'm not much of a comedy fan, and two, not much of a comedy fan with an all-black cast. The film made over $1M at the box office, but I have no idea what the budget was, so I can't say whether or not it was successful overall.
As mentioned, not all films should be hammered based on whether you liked it or not. I'm sure people want to read critical reviews instead of "I-just-didn't-like-it" commentaries. This is where we fail as an audience. Respect the art or invent something new so people can critique you, and we'll see how much you can take. This comedy-drama is one of the best films I have seen, and thanks to the director for standing out and doing something different. Intelligence does indeed pay off.
Young intern Ray Howard (Brian White) has followed his heart and a woman to Florida's "Mediocre Memorial" despite his blue-blood Harvard education and all its promise. Good-looking and well-educated, he is, or is about to be, a man who can have anything. Or is he? As he encounters one brick wall after another he is noticed by the dynamic duo of Donna (Zoe Saldana) and Dr. Z (Wood Harris) who decide he is worthy of rescuing and mentoring. What Dr Howard learns about "swagger", true friendship, compassion and especially, laughter are things Harvard could never have taught him.
The relationships in Heart Condition make it a must-see. Dr. Z and Donna"s is rare among on film romances and superbly done, as the the brotherhood that develops between Dr. Z and Ray. Also unique and quirky are the marriages--watch for Marla Gibbs and Ed Asner.
The twist is saved for the end where we have to get serious--but just for a minute. I admit I shed a tear, (my criteria for how good a movie is)and I was inclined to "groove at my own risk" at the end with a terrific cast!
Other movies you might like if you liked this one: Holiday Heart and Wonderful Life.
Buy Heart Specialist (2006) Now
I'm honestly not too surprised that some found this movie a little slow. It doesn't follow what seems to be the standard cliche for "African American" comedy dramas, IMO. That is, absurd drama, stereotypes, a measure of preaching and even more over-the-top drama followed up with an illogical ending all the while with sprinkles of black culture throughout and slapstick. While there was admittedly some level of 'preach' here, it wasn't so different than any other movie and I felt it was well done in the various subtle ways due ot the characters' interaction.I will try not to give too many spoilers away but warn that I might, so you may want to skip to the end of the review if you don't want to know too much. The synopsis was already well described, the main characters are Ray, Donna and Dr. Zachary (Sidney), played by Brian White (JoJo White's son!), Zoe Saldana and Wood Harris. The story is about a young doctor trying to find his way and the pieces of his heart after following it to an under-funded hospital in Florida. In the aftermath, he learns quite a bit about heart, people, love and maybe most importantly, taking himself so seriously. Who you originally think could be the main character of the movie ends up not really being the one though it's hard to argue against the person being the most important in the movie. In the end I too have to admit, it takes a dramatic turn that actually makes sense but still (spoiler.... warning....) leaves you reflecting on the characters.
I actually really liked this movie but then again I'm a fan of Wood Harris. He comes across as extremely down to Earth in this role like he did in "Remember The Titan's" and does a fantastic job with the material. Though comedy was probably branching out for him, he held his own. Zoe was charming as well and Brian White played her part very nicely too. But in the end it was Wood Harris' delivery as Dr. Zachary that really delivered and perhaps the most special moment of the movie came at the most dramatic to me at least. The characters come across as very real, not necessarily the pedestal's in Hollywood film. To buy the movie may be a stretch and I'd say if you're looking for an enthralling, dramatic stereotyped movie you'll be disappointed. It does however make me look forward to Wood's portrayal of Sweetwater in a year or two. Oh and it was good to see Scott Paulin (ER) here, Method Mad had a cameo and Mya was on briefly as well.
Read Best Reviews of Heart Specialist (2006) Here
This was a good movie with a great plot and storyline, a very refreshing twist to the traditional love story.Want Heart Specialist (2006) Discount?
Excellent movie had me laughing and crying!! it is great to see movies about African Americans even if it isn't in the movie theater, thank you Red Box rental for also making this possible this is where I watched The Heart Specialist!Save 44% Off
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