A Journal for Jordan is a bit of an odd one. I actually did enjoy it, but for some reason can't bring myself to give it more than a 5.
The story at times was a little too jumpy, with some quite unnecessary segues which make the film easily 20 minutes too long.
I liked the chemistry between Chante Adams and Michael B Jordan, it was all acted very well. The actual romantic story between them was perfectly well done. Sometimes quite funny, sometimes frustrating, but always sweet. I think that's the problem maybe. It was all very sweet and safe and didn't particularly convey a burning passion and deep love.
Given the name of the film, I feel like there needed to be a greater emphasis on the mother son relationship and the journal itself. This was somewhat pushed to the side and reserved for the final 15 minutes, when it may have been more emotional to have this at the core of the movie. Without this the film mostly plays out like a conventional romcom which means it loses some of its originality.
There isn't really anything to dislike about this film, but equally nothing to love either. I wanted it to be more emotional than it was, so it gets a 5/10. Middle of the road.
Plot summary
Based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child. A sweeping account of a once-in-a-lifetime love, the film is a powerful reminder of the importance of family.
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Could have been better given the story and the big names involved
Hot bodies but zzz
I thought the movie is like a journal itself for Jordan, and I was like wow this is a lil bit too rated R for Jordan.
A movie remembering the real life 1st Sargent, told mostly through the point of view of the wife.
Honestly the first 45 minutes I was pretty intrigued. It's slow, but I still liked the relationship because of the chemistry between the two leads. However, over time I could not wait for the movie to end. It's so dang dragged out. There wasn't that much to this story in the first place. The ending scene was pretty good but I was just mostly glad it's over.
Overall, glad I didn't watch this during Christmas because it would have been a boring one. 4.5-5/10.
Could Have Been a Lifetime Movie
This was a bit too melodramatic for my taste. Denzel's previous directorial productions were better. No doubt, Michael B. And Chante Adams delivered, but the flashback sequences were overdone and confusing at times. From the black perspective, the casting was odd. The lead character didn't have one real black friend? Just co-workers/friends? Also, wondered why the child/Jordan looked mixed when clearly, it's hard to imagine Michael B. And Chante producing a kid to look like he did. I noticed that the real life kid has a lighter complexion, but so did the real dad and mom. Guess they had to attach a big name to get it green lit.