Something New

PG-13

2006

1 hr. 40 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

61%

109 Reviews

Tomatometer

72%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Career-minded Kenya McQueen is set up on a blind date with architect Brian Kelly, but backs out when she realizes that he is white. Impressed with his work on a friend's mansion, McQueen hires Kelly to design her new garden -- and he sweeps her off her feet. But, after her friends introduce her to executive Mark Harper, McQueen must choose between the type of man she always dreamed she wanted and giving in to life's little surprises.

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Critics Consensus

Something New tackles serious questions about race and interracial relationships with genuine appeal and an alluring romance that develops as naturally as the plot.

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Amanda L

I appreciated the female protagonist's development. Not every rom-com manages to portray the blooming that love brings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

Steve D

Nothing new despite its star's good work.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/05/23

Full Review

Rosana B

Aqueles filmes de comédia romântica água com açúcar bem bonitinho, exceto pelo excesso de foco no casamento, tenho a sensação de que esse filme já deram, mas esse é o antigo então a gente releva.... E aqui temos um toque mágico que é o relacionamento inter-racial, muito agregador... Algumas situações um pouco forçadas e convenientes, mas o tema racial é tão recorrente e necessário e os debates são tão válidos, realistas e dolorosos, que faz valer a pena... Lindo, chorei... S2

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Delicious romantic comedy, which manages to approach important and still current theme in a smooth way, leading us to look at the other point of view. With beautiful performances by its protagonists, especially the talented Simon Baker

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Simply watching the white wall is more interesting and less racist.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Audience Member

[mild spoiler alert] The movie was definitely passionate. I mean seriously I did NOT know I could get aroused from watching someone applying nail polish! Also I like that the story line is realistic and down to earth (I mean sure, you get a cliche or two but nothing cringy). You know, it's not your usual "boy meets girl and nothing seems to point in that direction but somehow they fall for each other OH and also they keep running into each other in the most unexpected places" scenario. The romance they have actually makes sense from the fact that they had a blind date before she hires him (so there was a pre-existing idea of them being partners before they started hanging out) . And the fact that they ran into each other at the engagement party and later at the wedding makes sense because they were introduced to each other by a common friend. All that to say I'm really happy that they got those cliches out of the way. Now as far as the main "sensitive topic" of the movie is concerned, I felt a little bit confused. Not because the movie made it confusing, but more because of my personal approach to race. On one hand, I was obviously feeling bad for Brian because of the constant (and certainly not deserved) uncomfortable position he was put in when hanging out with Kenya's entourage. And I could kind of empathize with the annoyance he felt at some point from Kenya's constant references to race, as I felt it too. But on the other hand, it is absolutely fair that she would want to talk about her frustration with the person she shares her life with. And I appreciate that Brian said he might not relate but he will empathize because that's more effort than a lot of people would be willing to make. The main reason why I was confused about how I should feel is that, although I am black, I did not grow up in America. I can't pretend to know what it's like to be black in United States. I know it's often tough, I just don't know how tough. And so I wonder if I'm being ignorant when empathizing with Brian and if I'm being biased and peer-pressured when empathizing with Kenya and co. I hope it all makes sense. Anyway, this review is supposed to help you decide whether or not to watch the movie so yes, I definitely recommend it. It's entertaining, well written and very well directed (kudos on those close ups!). Enjoy! P.S: Simon Baker's smile could save my life. There. I said it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

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Sanaa Hamri

Director

Sanaa Lathan

Kenya McQueen

Simon Baker

Brian Kelly

Mike Epps

Walter

Donald Faison

Nelson McQueen

Blair Underwood

Mark Harper

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Something New: Official Clip - Getting Wet

2:41

Something New: Official Clip - I'm Never Gonna Be Black

2:37

Something New: Official Clip - Passion Play

2:15

Something New: Official Clip - Breaking up with the Perfect Guy

3:07

Something New: Official Clip - Blind Date Brian

2:37

Something New: Official Clip - You're Adorable

2:46

Something New: Official Clip - Ballroom Breakdown

3:45

Something New: Official Clip - Are You Sleeping With the Enemy?

3:04

Something New: Official Clip - I Want An Adventure With You

2:46

Something New: Official Clip - Take It Slow

2:38

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

... it's one of the few romantic movies that center around an interracial relationship and keeps it real.

Rated: B

Sep 12, 2017

Full Review

Kat Brown

Empire Magazine

Something New isn't just silly, it's an embarrassment to people who are genuinely trying to level the racial playing field in America today.

Rated: 1/5

Nov 30, 2006

Full Review

Stella Papamichael

BBC.com

Generally the story swings wildly from preachy to just plain silly. It is truly a story of missed opportunities.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 28, 2006

Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 14, 2007

Full Review

Scott Mendelson

rec.arts.movies.reviews

Rated: C

May 7, 2007

Full Review

Kam Williams

Bean Soup Times

Mixing mirth with more sophisticated moments, this delightful romantic romp ultimately triumphs primarily because of the easy-going screen chemistry generated by Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker.

Rated: 4/4

Apr 27, 2007

Full Review

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Synopsis

Career-minded Kenya McQueen is set up on a blind date with architect Brian Kelly, but backs out when she realizes that he is white. Impressed with his work on a friend's mansion, McQueen hires Kelly to design her new garden -- and he sweeps her off her feet. But, after her friends introduce her to executive Mark Harper, McQueen must choose between the type of man she always dreamed she wanted and giving in to life's little surprises.

Director: Sanaa Hamri
Screenwriter: Kriss Turner
Production Co: Homegrown Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Reference)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.4M
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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