Think Like a Man Too

Kevin Hart is loud, abrasive, frenetic, and not very funny in this sequel to the 2012 hit based on Steve Harvey's self-help book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. Although the book is here mentioned in passing, director Tim Story's film is essentially just another reworking of The Hangover, as previous cast members (along with some new additions) head to Las Vegas for the wedding of momma's boy Michael (Terrence J) to single mother Candace (Regina Hall). Unfortunately, Michael's harridan mother, Loretta (Jenifer Lewis), has taken charge, much to the distress of everyone, including best man Cedric (Hart), whose plans for the bachelors' night out prove catastrophic. Not that the shenanigans of the girls—once freed from Loretta's control—are any less disastrous. Ultimately, both men and women wind up at a strip joint where they get into a fight and land in the pokey, making it unlikely that anyone will get to the church (actually, outdoor chapel-like space) on time. It's not enough for Hart to shout his way through the jokes, slapstick, and dress-up; he also serves as narrator, describing the group's hapless adventures as a contest in which each side is trying to outdo the other. While the cast is certainly attractive, they all seem to be stranded in the script's clumsy contrivances. Not a necessary purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the production featurettes “The Ultimate Sequel” (11 min.), “Comedy Las Vegas Style” (9 min.), and “Lights, Camera, Vegas!” (6 min.), as well as deleted scenes (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is an “According to Kevin Hart” costar segment (5 min.), a gag reel (5 min.), additional deleted scenes (4 min.), and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing sequel.] (F. Swietek)