''Funny Valentines'' is a 1999 American drama film directed by

Julie Dash Julie Ethel Dash (born October 22, 1952) is an American film director, writer and producer. Dash received her MFA in 1985 at the UCLA Film School and is one of the graduates and filmmakers known as the L.A. Rebellion. The L.A. Rebellion refers ...

and starring

Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard (; born November 8, 1952) is an American actress. She has received various accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Awards (tying the record for the most acting Emmys won by an African-American performer, along with Regina King ...

. It is based on

J. California Cooper Joan Cooper (November 10, 1931 in Berkeley, California – September 20, 2014 in Seattle, Washington), known by her pen name, J. California Cooper, was an American playwright and author. She wrote 17 plays and was named Black Playwright of the Ye ...

's short story of the same name. The film was produced by Starz! Pictures and released in selected theatres and later premiered on cable television.

Synopsis

Looking to escape a troubled marriage, a woman returns to her hometown, where she repairs a broken friendship with her developmentally disabled cousin and finds true happiness.

Cast

as Joyce May *

Loretta Devine Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress, singer and voice actor. She is known for numerous roles across stage and screen. Her most high profile roles include Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of '' Dreamg ...

as Dearie B. *

CCH Pounder Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (born December 25, 1952) is a Guyanese-American actress. She has received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her roles in ''The X-Files'', '' ER'', '' The Shield'', and ''The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agenc ...

as Ethel B. *Peter Jay Fernandez as Danny *

Megalyn Echikunwoke Ebubennem Megalyn Ann Echikunwoke ( ; born May 28, 1983), also known as Megalyn E.K., is an American actress, known primarily for her roles in television and film. Born in Spokane, Washington, she was discovered while performing in a theatri ...

as Lauren *Kajuana Shuford as Gail *Kiara Tucker as Young Joyce * Saycon Sengbloh as Young Dearie B. *Christopher Dunn as Robert Earl * Tom Wright as Dr. Thomas Holder *Von Coulter as Troy Watts

Production

Filming occurred in

Wilmington, North Carolina Wilmington is a port city in and the county seat of New Hanover County in coastal southeastern North Carolina, United States. With a population of 115,451 at the 2020 census, it is the eighth most populous city in the state. Wilmington is t ...

. This is the second movie co-starring Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine after ''

Down in the Delta ''Down in the Delta'' is a 1998 American-Canadian drama film, directed by Maya Angelou in her sole film directorial effort and starring Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman, Jr., Esther Rolle (in her final film appearance before her death), Loretta Devine, ...

''.

Critical response

The film and performances received positive reviews from critics. Laura Fries from the ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' magazine wrote in her review: "Director Julie Dash fosters a real sense of affection for these characters. Like her film debut, “Daughters in the Dust,” Dash provides a lush atmosphere, creating a visual treat with intricate flashback sequences and inviting locations." At The 2000 Black Reel Awards the film received five nominations.

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, 0180708 American drama films Films scored by Stanley Clarke Films based on short fiction Films shot in North Carolina 1999 drama films 1999 films Films directed by Julie Dash 1990s English-language films 1990s American films