The Seat Filler (2005)

Off Brand

I couldnt even watch this movie all the way through. I am gonna try to watch it again, but the start of it is what is supposed to grab your attention. Nothing kept me into this movie. February 8, 2008

"If she gets the lobster, I ain't gettin' $*&%!"

A seat filler has it pretty cushy, his or her sole task merely to keep warm the seats of celebrities and big wigs at award functions. This is so that there aren't embarassing empty spots when the cameras pan by. There are a few rules to the gig: no cell phones allowed, you can only clap 5 times, your heinie can't be too warm. And the cardinal rule: you mustn't ever, ever fraternize with the stars. Sounds like easy money. But not, as it turns out, for Derrick Harver.

At the Videobeat Awards show, struggling law student and part time seat filler Derrick Harver (Duane Martin) gets seating duties next to famous and lovely singer Jhnelle (Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child). Shattering the no fraternizing rule, Derrick engages her in a fleeting conversation, and the two instantly click. So she falls in love, and he falls in love. But a misunderstanding leads Jhnelle to believe that Derrick is some big time entertainment lawyer named Alonzo Grant. And now Derrick's cornered himself into keeping up a pretense. You know she'll find out, and you can guess how it'll all turn out. Question is, is the picture worth sticking around for as it goes thru its been there, done that paces?

Yes, it is. THE SEAT FILLER is a romantic comedy which came out in 2004, and it is modest and engaging and unpretentious. And much, much funnier than I expected. True, the film is lightweight and utterly predictable, but the acting and comic talents of the cast achieve a kind of grace which effortlessly overcomes the flaws. Earnest, down-to-earth Duane Martin and sweet songbird Kelly Rowland ignite romantic sparks, while Deray Davis and Melanie Brown (formerly Scary Spice of the Spice Girls) shine as Derrick and Jhnelle's respective best buds. Deray Davis, in particular, made me laugh a boatload of times. Dude is some kind of hysterical! Even Shemar Moore's jerkweed, third-person-referencing character garners some chuckles (but not many).

Again, much of the film's charm is directly linked to the two leads. Martin and Rowland are very good together, and we can't help but savor their characters' relationship as they experience the highs and lows of being newly in love. Of course, there's also that Cinderella fantasy element lurking about. The average guy landing the beautiful celebrity. Now, I realize that once the seat filler plot device had propelled Derrick and Jhnelle together, its job was basically done. But, still, I wish there'd been more of a focus on the seat filler aspect and its role in the various award shows. I'm just being selfish, though, because I really wanted to see the Latin Gospel Awards, as hosted by Chuck D. The Honky Tonk Music Awards, I probably would've passed up on. October 18, 2007

Don't read ANY of the other reviews!!! Just read this one!!! Trust me!!!

Listen up reader.
If you're thinking about buying the Seat Filler because you believe you may enjoy it because it stars Duane Martin or Kelly Rowlands, don't read any of the other reviews, because they have been written by people who work for this movie's production company. They have a biased reason for wanting you to purchase this movie.

This is one of the worst movies made in the history of movies. They spent zero money in the making of this movie. Every aspect of this film is bad and it's mainly because they didn't take any time or money in even purchasing the right cameras or lighting equipment. The plot of the film is one big cliche and it's really freaking corny.

Don't read of the other reviews, they're all fake. Anyone in their right mind knows this is a cracker box, cheaply done, totally cliche movie.

But, if you're into stupid movies, movies that are unrealistic, than this movie may be for you. Maybe you like stupid movies. My brother does , he says they make him forget about his day. Silly, two-bit movies are sometime fun to watch.

I'm not saying don't buy the movie, although I'm not giving many reasons to buy it though. I'm just saying, don't read the other reviews, they are clearly biased to anyone who has seen it. This is not a good movie but maybe you're into that.
October 13, 2007

Suprisingly Sweet!

I do love Kelly Rowland...I think she's gorgeous and talented. Dwayne Martin has always been a talented actor...although I wouldn't have picked him for this role. The movie started out a bit slow...I wasn't sure I would like it...but it was surprisingly good! Not oscar worthy...lol...but a good romantic comedy. Kelly Rowland's acting is not bad at all. It's certainly better than Beyonce's (ouch...she was gorgeous in Dream Girls, but her acting seriously SUCKED! after what...five movies you'd think she'd be a lot better!). Kelly surprised me...her acting started out a bit shaky, but it just progressed with each scene! Given a few more years, she could be a really good actress. The chemistry between she and Dwayne Martin kicked in about halfway through the movie...and from then on they were just a pleasure to watch. I think there could have been at least one steamy love scene...nothing too much...but just enough to make us think they got it on. But, all in all, it was a cute movie that I'd watch again and again. July 2, 2007

SOME SINGERS CAN REALLY ACT....

Kelly Rowlands does a wonderful job portraying her character Jhnelle in this, endearing film. Duane Martin has you rooting for Derrick, because it's not hard to relate to his situation. Sometimes, it's easier to be someone else than it is to just being yourself! The chemistry between the two is sweet.

Look forward to seeing more from Ms. Rowlands in the near future, both musically and theatrically.

I highly recommend this one. February 20, 2007

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