Right up front I should let you know that I’m not a huge fan of romantic comedies. Above all other genres they carry a high rate of formulaic and overdone plots and characters. But every once in a while a Gem pops out of the load of crap that is Hollywood romantic comedies. I’m shocked to tell you thatLittle Black Bookis one such Gem.

It’s difficult to tell you about my favorite things in this film without giving away some major plot points, but let me say this‚Ķ the characters are interesting and more than single dimensional. The script is snappy and the director keeps the film moving along. Juxtapose these characteristics against most other romantic comedies which are uni-dimensional characters, predictable dialogue and sluggish pacing.

However, in most romantic comedies you can usually point to a strong lead actor/actress as being one of the strengths of the film‚Ķ not in this case. I have said it before and I shall say it again: “Brittney Murphyis not ready to be a legitimate Hollywood leading lady‚Ķ PERIOD“. The character she played was likeable, witty, endearing and emotional (what romantic comedy lead female character isn’t?)‚Ķ and Murphy just looked and felt like she was in way over her head trying to pull off an admittedly challenging role. Fortunately the character and the film itself carry themselves to the point that Murphy was able to give just enough of a performance as to not distract from or sink the movie.

Now that I’ve trashed Murphy‚Ķ let me add this. I’ve never liked Brittney. I think she’s a product of the MTVization of Hollywood where talent takes a back seat to “pop” and “buzz” and “trend”. Murphy is all about being hot and never about being talented. But in “Little Black Book”, while she was over her head‚Ķ there were glimpses of something‚Ķ almost fleeting, but definitely there. For the first time I could see something in her that perhaps others have seen all along‚Ķ or perhaps is just coming out now. POTENTIAL. Yes, for the first time I actually saw potential in Brittney Murphy. Maybe a peek at what she could be in a few years. I’ll keep my eye on her with a little more interest now. BUT SHE’S STILL NOT A LEADING LADY JUST YET.

Bottom line: Little Black Book is fun and entertaining, and is the first Romantic Comedy I’ve ever seen that has an unexpected ending (that’s all I’ll say). Go see it‚Ķ guys you’ll dig it too.