Strictly Business

Strictly Business is a 1991 comedy film directed by Kevin Hooks and Rolando Hudson. It showcases the ability of Tommy Davidson, Joseph C. Phillips and Anne-Marie Johnson to fuse business and romance into a hilarious yet insightful narrative about ambition and life in corporate America.

The film revolves around the lives of two characters: Waymon Tisdale, played by Joseph C. Phillips, and Bobby Johnson, portrayed by Tommy Davidson. Waymon is epitomized as a hardworking, successful realtor at a high-profile Manhattan real estate firm. His life exemplifies a corporate America where ambition and hard work are the pinnacles of success. However, Waymon remains disillusioned with his personal life, not matching the vibrancy of his thriving career.

In contrast, Bobby Johnson, a mail clerk at Waymon's workplace, willfully embraces the streaks of New York City's nightlife. He indulges his hedonistic side by fully immersing himself in the city's clubbing scene. Bobby dreams of leaving his low-wage mail clerk job and launching his New York City nightclub, but the path to this dream remains elusive.

The seemingly parallel tracks of Waymon's and Bobby's lives intersect when Waymon catches sight of Natalie (Anne-Marie Johnson), an aspiring club promoter at one of Bobby's frequented nightclubs. Smitten by Natalie's charm and charismatic personality, Waymon dreams of winning her heart but knows very little about this side of life.

Waymon makes a deal with Bobby - Bobby will teach Waymon the moves to navigate through the clubbing scene and win Natalie's heart, and in return, Waymon will mentor Bobby, equipping him with the corporate skills necessary to pursue his ambition of becoming a nightclub owner. This arrangement provides a comedic twist to the movie as the two navigate the intricate paths to reach their respective desires while learning from each other's vastly different worlds.

The narrative cleverly weaves themes about breaking corporate monotony with the spontaneity of club culture and its effect on work-life integration. Moreover, it makes a compelling statement about race and class struggles in contemporary America.

Tommy Davidson, famous for his natural flair for comedy, delivers a stunning performance that brings laughter and energy to the film. His portrayal of Bobby immerses the audience into the flamboyant club scene of early 1990s and beyond.

Joseph C Phillips, on the other hand, excellently plays the contrast of the ambitious, hardworking Wall Street-type character, Waymon, who despite being successful in his professional life, yearns to break away from the rigidity and mundaneness of corporate life.

Anne-Marie Johnson, seen in the role of Natalie, graces the screen with her charisma and offers a strong yet charming female lead. Her character brings in the dimension of a hardworking woman trying to establish herself in the masculine-dominated realm of nightclub promotion.

Strictly Business is a captivating blend of comedy-drama and romance that reflects the dynamic culture of New York - both the corporate world and the vibrant nightlife. The film engages with well-timed humor, endearing characters, and subtly blends its narrative with its sociopolitical context, leading to a timeless, insightful commentary on different life paths that people choose based on their circumstances and their dreams.

For those who enjoy a mature comedy with a slice of romance, Strictly Business offers an enjoyable cinematic experience packed with life, laughter, and love, all set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City in the 90s. With its solid storyline, well-rounded characters, and engaging themes, Strictly Business proves to be much more than just a piece of entertainment. It is a film with heart, humor, and most importantly, it resonates with everyone who has ever dared to dream and step out of their comfort zone.