Glamazons,
On Sunday, I had the amazing privilege of seeing a screening of “Being Mary Jane” in New York. I heard so much about the project that I was super excited to see it for myself.
Besides the fact that I love Gabrielle Union (who I met here), I’m so inspired by Mara Brock Akil who penned hit shows like “Girlfriends,” and “The Game,” as well as the movie “Sparkle.” I knew if she was behind “Being Mary Jane,” it had the potential to be a brilliant new film and series.
And it is!
Only one scene into “Being Mary Jane,” I felt like I was looking at my life reflected back to me. By the time it was over, I had laughed, cried, gasped and screamed. Most importantly, I didn’t feel invisible or alone anymore. Finally, the life of an independent, successful, sexy, family-oriented, strong, vulnerable, layered African-American woman is being portrayed adequately onscreen.
Here are five reasons you should give it a chance:
1. It’s sexy!
There are few premises sexier than exploring the daily adventures of a single, young, successful woman with an endlessly entertaining dating life. “Being Mary Jane” certainly delivers as we get a front row seat to the main character’s steamy sexcapades and complicated love affairs. And does it get much sexier than a make out session with Omari Hardwick? (No…)
2. It’s true to life.
What I love most about “Being Mary Jane” is that it gives an honest, relatable portrayal of black women as multi-dimensional humans and not caricatures. Gabrielle Union‘s character is flawed, layered, complex and dynamic while the majority of black women on television play into one-note stereotypes.
Like most women, she seamlessly wears multiple hats: the caring daughter, the wise older sister, the powerful news anchor, the insecure lover who longs for a steady relationship and the enlightened woman on a constant quest toward self-improvement. It’s amazing to see Mary Jane occupy all those roles (sometimes concurrently) all the while trying to discover who she is and what she truly wants out of life.
3. The plot is riveting.
I won’t give too much away but the film took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from Mary Jane‘s ill-fated romantic tryst in the opening scene, to an explosive standoff between two women caught in a love triangle, to a rekindled romance at the end. “Being Mary Jane” delivers plenty of those gripping, jaw-dropping, conversation-starting moments that made the first seasons of “The Game” must-watch TV.
4. I already love the fashion!
In the second scene, Mary Jane gets ready for work in a figure-hugging black leather paneled dress accented by a neon blazer. In the middle of the film, she shops for shoes with help from Tika Sumpter‘s character, splurging on every Glamazon’s first love: sky-high Christian Louboutin pumps. The drool-worthy wardrobe will definitely keep fashion lovers like me tuning in to see what she wears next.
5. The directing is awesome.
In a Q&A after the screening, Mara Brock Akil revealed that her husband Salim Akil directed the film and the series. Their goal was to make viewers feel like we’re a fly on the wall in Mary Jane‘s home. They accomplish it brilliantly with beautiful long shots of Mary Jane looking in a mirror, littered with post-its bearing inspirational quotes.
In those scenes, you feel like you’re peering in on Mary Jane‘s life through a voyeuristic lens. Also, the quality of production is excellent! It really elevates “Being Mary Jane” to one of the better shows on the network.
Excited yet?
Watch the full trailer below:
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What do you think of “Being Mary Jane” so far? Are you planning to tune in when it debuts on July 2nd at 10:30 PM EST on BET?
Check out some pictures from the screening:
Having a kiki with my blogger boo Gorgeous in Grey
Love the #beingpowerful, #beingdriven and #beinghappy t-shirts they gave out. Of course, I got #beinghappy because I’m the happiest black girl ever.
It was such an honor to meet Mara Brock Akil. As a writer, I’ve looked up to her for the longest. I gagged when she asked about my blog. Can you even?!
Good times!
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
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