- Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom
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Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom 
Theatrical release posterDirected by Patrik-Ian Polk Produced by Patrik-Ian Polk Written by Patrik-Ian Polk
John R. GordonStarring Darryl Stephens
Christian Vincent
Doug Spearman
Rodney Chester
Jensen AtwoodMusic by Adam S. Goldman
Julian WassCinematography Christopher Porter Editing by Phillip J. Bartell Studio New Open Door Productions
Blueprint EntertainmentDistributed by LOGO Films Release date(s) October 24, 2008 (US) Running time 101 minutes Country United States
CanadaLanguage English Box office $532,878[1] Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom is a 2008 Canadian-American romantic comedy-drama film based on the LOGO television series Noah's Arc. It was released on October 24, 2008 in select theaters and video on demand. The film is rated R for "sexual content and language".
Contents
Synopsis
Noah Nichols (Darryl Stephens) and his ARC: Alex Kirby (Rodney Chester), Ricky Davis (Christian Vincent), and Chance Counter (Doug Spearman), retreat to Martha's Vineyard for Noah's intimate marriage to Wade Robinson (Jensen Atwood). While Alex's hubby, Trey (Gregory Kieth), video chats from home to babysit their newly adopted Ethiopian child, Chance brings his husband, Eddie (Jonathan Julian), and Ricky is accompanied by the 19-year old Brandon (Gary LeRoi Gray) for some lighthearted fling-dating. But as the four couples hole up and attend separate bachelor parties, each relationship begins to unravel. Alex's pill-popping throughout the weekend, compiled with surprise drop-ins from Noah's boss, Brandy (Jennia Fredrique) and rapper Baby Gat (Jason Steed), don't help Noah and Wade work through last-minute jitters.
Cast
- Darryl Stephens as Noah Nicholson
- Christian Vincent as Ricky Davis
- Doug Spearman as Chance Counter
- Rodney Chester as Alex Kirby
- Jensen Atwood as Wade Robinson
- Jonathan Julian as Eddie McEntire
- Jason Steed as Baby Gat
- Tonya Pinkins as Mrs. Robinson
- Gary LeRoi Gray as Brandon
- Phoebe Snow as Herself
- Jennia Fredrique as Brandy King
Production
According to creator Patrik-Ian Polk, who produced and directed the film and co-wrote with fellow series writer John R. Gordon, the feature film version of the series, Jumping the Broom, picks up after the series' second season cliffhanger finale and centers around the Martha's Vineyard wedding of the series' lead character Noah and his boyfriend Wade.
Release
The film had a limited release in theaters located in Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Palm Springs, and Washington, D.C.. On November 7, the film was released in Ocean City, New Jersey, Detroit, and San Francisco; and November 28 in Philadelphia and Dallas.
Critical response
Although much lauded in the gay press, Jumping the Broom has been met with generally mixed reception elsewhere. Time Out called it "ludicrous"[citation needed], whilst Variety described it as "a lame feature".[2] Several critics felt that the leap from cable to big screen was too great. The film currently holds a 43% 'fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[3]
Box office
The film surprised the entertainment industry by opening at number 1 on the independent film box office report, according to IndieWire (October 27, 2008).[4] Theaters reported multiple sold-out screenings days in advance of the release and most added additional screenings to accommodate the overwhelming fan response. In fact, the film had an opening weekend per screen average of $30,336 and narrowly came second for top per screen average by the Clint Eastwood/Angelina Jolie film Changeling, which opened in limited release the same weekend and averaged $32,601. Theaters playing the film opening weekend reported by mid-December it had taken just over $532,000 at the US box office despite the film receiving little to no mainstream marketing support and never played on more than 7 screens at once during its 7-week theatrical run.[5] By the end of its run, the film had grossed a domestic total of $532,878.[1]
Accolades
The film received three NAACP Image Award nominations: Outstanding Independent Feature Film, Outstanding Writing in a Feature Film, and Outstanding Directing in a Feature Film.[6] The film was also nominated for GLAAD Award's for Best Feature Film (Limited Release), in which it won.
Soundtrack
Main article: Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom (soundtrack)The soundtrack was released on October 21, 2008 by Tommy Boy Records and features Michelle Williams, Bob Sinclar, Roy Young, and Phoebe Snow.
Home media
The film was released February 3, 2009 on DVD.
References
- ^ a b Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom at Box Office Mojo
- ^ "Variety Reviews - Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom - Film Reviews - New U.S. Release - Review by Robert Koehler". Variety. 2008-10-23. http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938794.html?categoryid=31&cs=1. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
- ^ Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom at Rotten Tomatoes
- ^ "iW BOT". IndieWire. 2008-10-27. http://www.indiewire.com/article/iw_bot_noahs_arc_shocks_amid_batch_of_strong_openers/. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0955306/business
- ^ "The 40th NAACP Image Awards". NAACP. 2009-01-01. http://www.naacpimageawards.net/40/nom_movies.php. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
External links
Categories:- 2008 films
- American films
- Canadian films
- English-language films
- 2000s comedy-drama films
- 2000s romantic drama films
- American comedy-drama films
- American LGBT-related films
- American romantic drama films
- African American films
- Films based on television series
- Films set in Massachusetts
- Films shot in Canada
- Independent films
- LGBT African American culture
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