I Saw That!

One woman's opinions about popular entertainment.

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Amateur boxing coach, Christian (but not so heavenly-minded that I'm no earthly good) singer, writer, self-defense advocate, childfree. feminist www.smartwomenboxingtraining.org

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Obsessed (2009)

Everything is going well for asset manager Derek (Idris Elba). He and his wife Sharon (Beyonce Knowles) have just moved into a new house. They have a cute kid named Kyle (Nathan and Nicolas Myers). Derek is up for a promotion at his job. Then temporary worker Lisa (Ali Larter) shows up.

It's clear from the get-go that Lisa likes Derek. We soon learn that Lisa's feelings about Derek are way over the top. After Derek rebuffs Lisa's sexual advances during an office Christmas party, he thinks that's the end of the matter. But Lisa's antics become more bold. When Lisa attempts suicide, Sharon instantly suspects Derek of cheating on her. Resse (Christine Lahti), a police detective, is also not believing Derek's claims of innocence. He is in danger of losing everything, not only at home, but at work. Lisa leaves town, but just when Derek thinks the nightmare is over, it begins again.

If you've seen Fatal Attraction (1987), you've seen this movie. The only difference is that the married couple victimized by the stalker is African-American. Beyonce has more to do in her role than she has had in her previous films. I liked how she stepped up to quash the nonsense that Larter's character was putting out. I couldn't help but think that's how a lot of African-American women I know -- including myself -- would have handled that. However, the trailer gives away the ending, and the plot follows a predictable path.

Idris Elba, who's from England, has appeared in several films including American Gangster (2007). He does a good American accent. Ms. Knowles is primarily a singer, but has added acting to her resume in prior films such as Dreamgirls (2006) and The Fighting Temptations (2003). Ms. Larter is a cast member on the sci-fi series "Heroes". Ms. Lahti was a cast member on "Chicago Hope" (1995-1999). Jerry O'Connell (Stand By Me, 1986) and Bruce McGill (Animal House, 1978) also appear in the film.

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