Relationship Goals: A Romantic Comedy with a Twist
At first glance, Relationship Goals is a classic romantic comedy, tailored for viewers of a certain generation. The film stars Kelly Rowland as Leah, a confident morning TV producer who dreams of becoming a showrunner. Her journey is filled with challenges, including a bake-off with Jarrett, a charming former love interest played by Method Man. The promise of seeing Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland and Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man in a will-they-won't-they scenario is undoubtedly an enticing draw for fans nostalgic for their music.
Director Linda Mendoza's fast-paced direction adds to the film's appeal, making the 90-minute runtime fly by. The writing team, led by Michael Elliott, known for Queen Latifah's Just Wright and Beyoncé's Carmen, delivers a well-structured script with efficient storytelling. The supporting cast, including Annie Gonzalez, Robin Thede, and Ryan Jamaal Swain, provide witty dialogue and memorable one-liners, ensuring the audience is engaged throughout.
However, the film's portrayal of TV news production raises eyebrows. The idea of two New York City producers competing for a top network job with a three-week deadline to deliver a Valentine's Day segment is unrealistic. Despite this, the film's genre and millennial charm make it forgivable. The soundtrack, featuring Victoria Monét, the Doobie Brothers, and a duet by the leads, adds to the overall enjoyable experience.
But here's where it gets interesting. Relationship Goals is more than just a romantic comedy. It's a faith-based film, promoting the prosperity gospel and featuring Michael Todd, a rising star in the world of 'sneaker preachers'. The film's title is inspired by Todd's bestselling book, which offers homilies on intentional dating and criticizes women who don't 'put a ring on it'.
This theme is further emphasized by the characters' reverence for Todd and his wife, Natalie, as experts in relationships. They even dedicate a Valentine's Day segment to them, visiting Todd's megachurch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The film's narrative takes a turn when it becomes an extended infomercial for Todd's ministry, produced by DeVon Franklin, another influential 'sneaker preacher'.
The controversy surrounding 'sneaker preachers' is not lost on the audience. Comedian Druski's satirical sketch of a 'sneaker preacher' went viral, sparking debates about the extravagance of megachurch pageantry. This parody was inspired by Michael Todd's infamous act of wiping his phlegm on a worshipper's eyes during a parable about healing.
Relationship Goals, despite its entertaining elements, presents a narrow view of marriage, suggesting that women's true peace lies in finding a partner. While the film's humor and familiar faces make it enjoyable, the underlying message may leave viewers questioning its broader appeal.
Relationship Goals is now available on Amazon Prime, offering a blend of romance, comedy, and a touch of controversy.
