Global superstar Jennifer Lopez collaborates with iconic music video director Dave Meyers for the narrative musical film “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” from Prime Video. Ben Affleck, Matt Walton, and Dave Meyers wrote the film’s script that showcases Jenny from the Block’s journey to love through her own eyes.
Initially, there were rumors that Director Meyers wanted to make a movie about the rekindled romance between Affleck and Lopez. However, we all remember how poorly received their 2003 film ‘Gigli’ was and the unfair criticism that ‘Jersey Girl’ received a year later. Thankfully, the director chose a different approach. Lopez plays a significant role in a story that mainly focuses on her relationship with Ben Affleck and how she got to her current relationship.
It should be noted that the film is not a direct reflection or biography of her romantic experiences. Now, Affleck does appear in some scenes, but more so in a way that may surprise viewers. However, the short film’s strength is the collection of music videos characterized by tracks from Jennifer Lopez’s latest album, “This Is Me… Now. “The only connecting thread running through these sequences is a narrative motif – a depiction of the artist (Lopez) undertaking therapy with a character portrayed by Fat Joe. The vibrant, fantastical imagery symbolizes reoccurring dreams spurred by an emotional breakup.
However, this pretext to facilitate storytelling is set aside beyond a specific juncture, and several moments are perceived to occur within the film’s reality. What remains unambiguously emphasized throughout the plotline is that our protagonist embodies a romantic spirit persevering in her quest for authentic romance. Before accomplishing this objective, however, she must overcome various personal tribulations. Also brought under focus is her ardent faith in astrology – something made evident when Jane Fonda leads an astrological court observing Lopez’s actions from what appears as a mystical cosmic dome (interpreted distinctly outside the dream context).
Jennifer Lopez and renowned music video director Dave Meyers demonstrate no inclination towards realism or logical consistency but rather embrace spectacle and emotional intensity. The inaugural section successfully delivers just that: extending over merely an hour, it chronicles Lopez’s voyage filled with purposefully exaggerated visuals, intricate dance routines, delightful tunes along with special appearances from her famous friends,
JLo’s latest project, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story”, is a winner that features fantastical costumes, breathtaking choreography, and star-studded cameos, all culminating in this panorama is an introspective retrospective of Jenny From The Block’s resilient heart.
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”