Guess Who (film)

From ArticleWorld

A young, black woman returns to her parents home and brings her new boyfriend. They are unaware that he is white. Although her mother has no problems with his race, her father is suspicious of him and antagonistic toward the relationship. This sets-off a series of comical events.

Plot

When a black female, Theresa(Zoe Saldana) visits her parent’s home in New Jersey to celebrate their anniversary, she brings her white boyfriend, Simon(Ashton Kutcher). Her father, Percy(Bernie Mac)doesn’t like it one bit. Percy is suspicious and over protective. He spies on the two; ensures separate sleeping quarters and frowns on their displays of affection in his presence. Her mother, Marilyn(Judith Scott)is relaxed about her choice and is open to the relationship. But dad won’t stop his campaign.

He conducts a credit check and employment check on Simon. When he he obtains information that Simon has a good bank job, Percy becomes more tolerant. What he doesn’t know is that Simon has just quit his bank job.

Resolution

When all is said and done, Percy back off of his negative behavior to appease his wife and daughter. He realizes that he is clearly outnumbered. Since he can’t beat them, he decides to join them. He’ll never really accept the situation, but he can justify it. Now, peace is the best alternative.

Production facts

The film explores race, but yields to the more common theme of the overbearing father. Although it touches the plot of the classic, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, it is more reminiscent of Meet the Parents. The cliche of the inherent struggle between the father and the lover takes a wry, comic turn.