Phat Girlz (2006)

Tart, talented, and plus-size, Jazmin (Mo'Nique, The Parkers) lives in a world that insults and rejects her because she's fat--or is the emotional abuse she heaps on herself the real problem? A department store employee with fashion designer dreams, Jazmin flounders until she wins a Palm Springs vacation and meets a handsome Nigerian doctor named Tunde who cherishes a full figure as a mark of beauty. But can Jazmin overcome her self-loathing and accept Tunde's love? This plot summary doesn't capture the freewheeling style of Phat Girlz, a low-budget feature that proves that slick production values can't compare with spunky rhythmic editing, rough and ready wit, and an honest heart. The movies takes some broad but accurate shots at American culture's crazed body fascism (though the unchivalrous might point out that the movie's male romantic objects all have a pretty studly physique). Mo'Nique throws herself into her part, capturing the mix of self-deprecating humor and bitter anger that many heavy women turn brutally on themselves. Phat Girlz may end up as a fairy tale, but along the way it delves into the sharp, dark edges that make a happy ending well-earned. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

I Hate Skinny B*tches Too!

Phat Girlz is a hard film to hate because it comes from a genuinely real and unique perspective. It is also a great task to defend for being of such poor production quality and having jokes that miss more often than not. My wife informed me that she would no longer read my reviews if I didn't take her suggestion to see Phat Girlz and review it seriously. I initially did not want to sit through it but upon further consideration my wife sat through my silent horror movie phase, so I owed her one. Film is one of the few things we don't share the same level of appreciation for. Besides, I've always taken some pride in watching and reviewing a share of notoriously bad films.

Anyway, Phat Girlz is produced and directed by virtual unknowns and it sort of shows. That's actually being very kind. The film is primarily a vehicle for actress/comedian Mo'Nique Imes, better known as just Mo'Nique. I have no doubt that she influenced this film in every way creatively, for better or worse. She plays the film's protagonist Jazmin, an overweight would-be fashion designer whose awkward attitude about her own weight and resentment to those around her (particularly skinny girls), make for an interesting viewpoint although it does wear out its welcome by the film's conclusion.

The internet movie database indicates this film as among its bottom 100. I don't think that's a fair assessment but the film is definitely not very good. I hardly think the morality behind Mo'Nique's film was taken into the same consideration by the mobocracy on that site as it is here. Again, I'm rating this down based primarily on the production quality and the fact that the jokes don't work as often as intended. The film gains two stars because it means well and has a different voice. December 3, 2008

Inspiring

The movie is one that will help build a young woman's self-esteem. Talks about self-love. September 22, 2008

Seriously good fun

I really enjoyed this film, not only for the message it gave but also, as a Nigerian, I was in stitches for the poolside banter.

I find Mo'nique a very good actress and she delivers her lines with comic timing. I found her character very believeable but also I think she as a woman would be a great friend to have in your life. May 7, 2008

Good Theme But Bad Acting

I'd never seen this movie before, but while I was flicking through the channels, I stopped to look at an extremely gorgeous African man who played Monique's love interest and just kept on watching to "mmph" at him.

Pros: I definitely understand why Monique felt a movie like this was necessary. Women are always being ridiculed for not being the perfect size or having the perfect body that is rare in everyday living. As Jim Jones has said in (I believe) "VIBE" magazine, Monique has NEVER played herself. She looks excellent in every single thing she puts on, and I give her much respect for dressing to compliment her attributes instead of trying to pull off outfits that just don't work. (Note: Skinny women, medium women, heavyset women ALL do this.) I enjoyed the comedic scenes, especially with her shy friend turned nymphomaniac, and of course, the fellas were gorgeous, especially Monique's.

Cons: The acting was awful. When Monique went through the sad and crying scenes, it was like a really amateur afterschool special. I know she meant well, but I wish she'd have taken acting classes or found someone else to play the part because instead of feeling sympathy for her, I was rolling my eyes. I do believe that there are small women who are snide to heavyset women (although I find this attitude more in men than I do in women), but sometimes Monique can be a little TOO hard on small women. Not ALL of them are yapping at the mouth about someone else's size, or maybe that's just been my experience being in the medium range (not the doctor's recommendation but not obese either). Or, maybe more do but I just don't know it. Anyway, there were contradictions within this film. While Monique wants viewers to celebrate heavyset women with the extra weight, in every single movie I see her in, the dudes are always cut up, look like models, and are ideal weights. If Monique really wants to make a point, make her love interest a heavyset man.

Other than that, this was a decent film minus a few spots. April 18, 2008

Finding Your Bliss

In the large clothing chain where Jazmin Biltmore works the embarrassing plus size section is hidden in a corner of the store. Jazmin and her co-workers avoid it like the plague for fear of having to sell something from it to a customer. Plus size Jazmin makes her own clothing and always looks "Fat-tabulous!" Her dream is having her own clothing line in production and on the curves of other thick women; unfortunately, she can't get to the head buyer of her company and the bank won't give her a loan.

Just when she thinks she can't get any more depressed she wins an all expense paid trip to a five star resort in Palm Springs. Jazmin and her best friend, who is also thick, quickly learn that Palm Springs is the stomping ground for the rich skinny butts. Well, not everything... while hanging out by the poolside the three ladies are approached by a visiting doctor named Tunde from Nigeria. Tunde is instantly smitten with Jazmin, much to everyone else's surprise. The ladies are invited to a Nigerian dinner conference where they learn that there are indeed men in the world who know how to treat a lady with curves.

Unfortunately, Jazmin isn't used to all this positive energy and can't see the genuine affection. Her own insecurities cause her to self-destruct and she ends up sabotaging her relationship with Tunde, fleeing home to wallow and binge for three days on a bed buffet of junk food. She finally realizes she will never be a size 5 and that she has to start living now. With her new skin of determination she finds the nerve to approach the head buyer and sell her self. Next thing she knows, she's an international success in plus size clothing design in charge of a hot new line of clothing affectionately called "Thick Madame" in Tunde's honor. But she still has one major regret she needs to take care of.

Phat Girlz is a comedy for sure but there are surprising emotional scenes when Mo'Nique breaks down that I never expected from this comedian. The main theme of this film is the power of kindness and respect. A positive kudos for this film is that Jazmin didn't have to lose weight to find her bliss. A number of great songs including Brick House, So Luscious, and African Queen (I love that song!) keep the movie charged. The film pokes fun at a few stereotypes like the junk food buffet bed mentioned above and again when Jazmin and her friend OVER order at the fast food restaurant but they are bearable.

I was resistant to watch Phat Girlz because I have never been a huge Mo'Nique fan despite her fat acceptance popularity but I'm glad I did. Fat chics need more films that highlight their lives and are not all about changing the number on the scale to find happiness and success. It's really a feel good movie. Reviewed by M.E. Wood. March 13, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...