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Just Wright
Just Wright
from Wikipedia
Just Wright
Theatrical poster
Directed bySanaa Hamri
Written byMichael Elliot
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyTerry Stacey
Edited byMelissa Kent
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byFox Searchlight Pictures
Release date
  • May 14, 2010 (2010-05-14)
Running time
101 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$12 million
Box office$21.5 million[1]

Just Wright is a 2010 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Sanaa Hamri, starring Queen Latifah and Common. The film tells the story of a physical therapist, Leslie Wright, who falls in love with a professional basketball player, Scott McKnight. It received mixed reviews from critics. The film was released in the United States on May 14, 2010.

Plot

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Leslie Wright, a physical therapist and die-hard basketball fan, is searching for a boyfriend but keeps being told by men that they see her only as a friend. After buying a house, Leslie allows her impulsive and irresponsible godsister Morgan Alexander to stay at her home; Morgan dreams of becoming an NBA trophy wife.

Following a game between the New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic, Leslie helps the Nets' star player Scott McKnight at a gas station. They share a friendly conversation about basketball and jazz, and Scott invites Leslie to his birthday party. Leslie attends the party but also brings Morgan who quickly sets her sights on Scott. Intent on getting his interest, Morgan pretends to volunteer at a homeless shelter and claims to have no interest in Scott at all. He is intrigued and tracks her down. After dating for three months, he proposes and, while Leslie expresses some skepticism about the relationship, she is ultimately pleased that Morgan is happy.

At the All-Star Game, Scott suffers a torn PCL injury that puts his entire career in jeopardy. Morgan becomes suspicious of Scott's physical therapist, a beautiful blonde woman, and begs Leslie to take over as his live-in physical therapist. However, tensions arise as Morgan is now forced to spend more time with Scott and finds herself disliking him. As rumors circle that Scott's career could quickly end if he doesn't recover by the playoffs, Morgan decides to leave Scott by leaving him a letter.

Despite the awkward breakup, Leslie continues to work with Scott. She earlier caught a cold and then Scott takes good care of Leslie. She also encourages and helps him with his recovery and helps to build his confidence. They also bond over their mutual love of basketball and music. Scott expresses surprise that Leslie is not seeing anyone and begins to see her in a more romantic light and she discovers that he plays piano, a talent he confides is his secret hobby.

Scott is able to return to the NBA just before the playoffs and wins his first game back after a pep-talk from Leslie. Scott's team is headed back to the NBA finals. After that impressive win, the Nets are offering him a five-year contract to finish out the series. As a thank you, he presents her with her grandfather's classic Mustang which he has had remodeled and restored, but also paid extra to leave a dent in the side door intact as Leslie says it reminds her of her grandfather. After taking her to dinner, they first share a kiss, and then spend the night together.

The next morning, Morgan arrives at Scott's door hoping to reconcile, saying that she has been in therapy to work on the abandonment issues which led her to leave Scott in the first place. Heartbroken, Leslie believes she has no chance against Morgan and decides to leave. Scott, who feels he owes it to Morgan to try to work things out, reluctantly lets Leslie go.

However, tensions quickly arise between Morgan and Scott as she continues planning their wedding while he wants to take things slow. Meanwhile, Leslie is surprised to discover she's being headhunted by many basketball teams impressed by her notable work helping Scott's recovery from his injury. Excited to get an offer from the Nets, Leslie realizes she would have to work with Scott and reluctantly turns the offer down. She then decides to interview with teams far from where she lives to put some distance between Scott, Morgan, and herself.

During a televised interview, Scott credits Leslie with his recovery. After praising her, he comes to the realization that he loves her. Morgan, who has been watching the interview, also realizes Scott's feelings and urges him to reunite with Leslie.

Chasing Leslie to a job interview in Philadelphia, Scott tells her that he loves her and urges her to reconcile with him despite the anger she might feel. In response, Leslie places a phone call to the Nets and accepts a position with them.

A year later, Leslie and Morgan are watching Scott play. Leslie is now one of the Nets' athletic trainers and cheers loudly for Scott, who is at last revealed to be her husband.

Cast

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Production

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Part of the film was shot at Regis High School in New York City. It was also filmed at Meadowlands Arena (named Izod Center at the time).

Reception

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Just Wright received mixed reviews from movie critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 47% of 112 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The website's consensus reads: "Well-intentioned but formulaic, Just Wright has winning leads but can't overcome its preponderance of cliches."[2] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[3] Conversely, Roger Ebert gave the film 3 stars out of 4.[4]

The film debuted at number four behind Iron Man 2, Robin Hood and Letters to Juliet with $8,284,989 million on its opening weekend. Just Wright grossed $21,540,363 million domestically and $29,900 globally to a total of $21,570,263 million worldwide. The film stayed in theaters 47 days, the equivalent of 6.7 weeks.[5]

Awards

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Year Award Category Recipients Result
2010 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie: Romantic Comedy Nominated
Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy Queen Latifah Nominated
2011 Black Reel Awards Best Film Nominated
Best Director Sanaa Hamri Nominated
Best Screenplay, Adapted or Original Michael Elliot Nominated
Best Actress Queen Latifah Nominated
Best Original or Adapted Song "Champion" Nominated
NAACP Image Award Outstanding Motion Picture Nominated
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television) Michael Elliot Won
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Queen Latifah Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Common Nominated

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Just Wright is a American romantic comedy-drama film directed by . The movie stars as Leslie "Les" Wright, a physical therapist who helps NBA star Scott McKnight (played by Common) recover from a severe sustained during the . Complications arise when Scott becomes attracted to Les's glamorous and ambitious godsister, Morgan (), forming a that tests Les's feelings and professional boundaries. Written by Michael Elliot and produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, and Debra Martin Chase under Flavor Unit Entertainment and Fox Searchlight Pictures, the film was released theatrically on May 14, 2010. It features supporting performances from Phylicia Rashad, Pam Grier, and James Pickens Jr., with basketball scenes involving real NBA players like Dwight Howard and Elton Brand. Filmed primarily in New York and New Jersey, Just Wright blends sports drama with romantic elements, highlighting themes of self-worth, friendship, and perseverance in the face of unrequited love. The film received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 47% approval rating on based on 110 reviews, with praise for the chemistry between the leads but criticism for predictable plotting. It holds an average IMDb user rating of 5.9 out of 10 from over 16,000 votes. Commercially, Just Wright opened to $8.3 million in its first weekend and grossed $21.5 million domestically against a reported budget of $12 million.

Story and Characters

Plot

Leslie , a dedicated physical therapist and lifelong New Jersey Nets fan, lives with her parents, Lloyd and Janice . She encounters NBA star Scott McKnight at a gas station after his breaks down following a game. The two bond over their shared love of and , with Leslie impressing Scott with her knowledge of the sport. Later, at Scott's birthday party to which Leslie is invited, her godsister and roommate Morgan Alexander, an aspiring sports wife, flirts with and captures Scott's attention with her beauty and charm. Scott and Morgan begin dating, and after three months, he proposes, though Leslie expresses some skepticism about the relationship. Scott's life takes a dramatic turn when he suffers a torn (PCL) during the , threatening to end his career. Morgan, unable to handle the uncertainty of his recovery, leaves a letter breaking off the engagement. Recognizing her expertise, Scott hires Leslie as his live-in physical therapist, and she moves into his home to oversee his intensive rehabilitation program. Over months of grueling sessions involving exercises, ice treatments, and motivational talks about Nets games, Leslie and Scott develop a deep rapport; he shares intimate moments like playing for her, while she pushes him to regain his strength. They share a and spend a night together. Meanwhile, Morgan maneuvers back into Scott's life as he improves, but her motivations prioritize wealth and status. As Scott's recovery progresses and he returns to playing, he realizes his true feelings for Leslie amid doubts about Morgan's sincerity. When Morgan returns seeking reconciliation, Scott breaks off the relationship. Devastated by her growing feelings, Leslie had quit her role as Scott's therapist and moved to for a new job, advised by her father who reminds her of her professional worth. Scott confronts his emotions and chases Leslie to Philadelphia, confessing his love. With her encouragement, Scott fully recovers. Leslie accepts a position as a trainer for the Nets. A year later, Scott and Leslie are married as he continues playing.

Cast

The film Just Wright features a diverse led by in the lead role, supported by actors portraying family members, romantic interests, and NBA figures, with several real players appearing in cameos to enhance the sports-themed narrative. The principal cast emphasizes strong Black leads, contributing to the story's focus on personal and professional relationships in the world of professional .

Principal Cast

ActorRoleDescription
Leslie WrightThe protagonist, a dedicated physical therapist who becomes involved in rehabilitating an injured NBA star.
CommonScott McKnightA talented NBA player for the Nets, recovering from a that threatens his .
Morgan AlexanderScott's ambitious and manipulative ex-fiancée and Leslie's godsister, who creates romantic tension.

Supporting Cast

ActorRoleDescription
Lloyd WrightLeslie's supportive father, a doctor who influences her career path in physical therapy.
Phylicia RashadElla McKnightScott's mother, providing familial guidance and emotional support during his recovery.
Pam GrierJanice WrightLeslie's mother, offering family support and perspective.
Mekhi PhiferMylesLeslie's unreliable ex-boyfriend, representing past romantic disappointments.
Laz AlonsoMark MatthewsOne of Scott's Nets teammates, offering camaraderie and on-court perspective.
Mehcad BrooksAngelo BembreyAnother Nets teammate, involved in team dynamics and support for Scott.
The ensemble includes notable cameos by real NBA personalities, adding authenticity to the basketball sequences and team interactions. These include as himself (Orlando Magic center), as himself (Miami Heat guard), as himself (Orlando Magic forward), and as himself ( point guard), all portraying versions of their professional selves in brief appearances.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Just Wright was written by Michael Elliot, who conceived the idea in 2003 after seeing in a powder blue satin suit at the . Elliot, drawing from the global success of , sought to craft a centered on an everyday woman like Latifah as the lead, without emphasizing her size or including weight-related dialogue to promote natural beauty and relatability for a broad audience of women. Fox Searchlight Pictures acquired the script in 2008, marking a key step in development as the studio, known for independent films with mainstream appeal, committed to the project. By April 2009, production was officially announced, with the film receiving a and an initial of $12 million financed primarily by Fox Searchlight. Sanaa Hamri was selected as director for her prior collaboration with on the 2006 romantic comedy Something New, as well as her background directing music videos and feature films that blended cultural authenticity with heartfelt storytelling. Producers , , and Shakim Compere from oversaw the pre-production, with bringing her experience as the first African American woman to secure a solo production deal at a major studio like Disney/ABC. Key pre-production decisions focused on integrating authentic basketball elements to ground the romantic comedy tone, including setting the story around the NBA and the New Jersey Nets, while leveraging real-life NBA players for cameos and consultations to ensure realistic depictions of the sport and physical therapy. Leads like Queen Latifah and Common were attached early to align with the film's emphasis on genuine chemistry in a sports-themed romance.

Filming

Principal photography for Just Wright began in mid-July 2009 in New York, allowing the production to capture the summer atmosphere integral to the film's urban and sports narrative. The shoot utilized a variety of locations in and to authentically depict the protagonist's life and the professional world. exteriors provided the dynamic urban backdrop, with specific sites including Regis High School in for interior home scenes reflecting everyday family life, in for street moments, and a luxury apartment in standing in for the NBA star's residence. Across the river in , the (then known as the Center) in East Rutherford hosted the key New Jersey Nets game sequences, leveraging the real arena's facilities for immersive sports action. To handle the basketball sequences, director Sanaa Hamri employed dynamic camera techniques, filming in chronological sequence as much as possible to ease the actors' immersion in the physical demands of the roles. The production incorporated cameos from NBA players such as , enhancing the realism of the on-court scenes without relying solely on staged footage. Set design, overseen by production designer , recreated elements like locker rooms and therapy spaces to evoke the sports culture, while ensuring the protagonist's modest family home contrasted with the opulent athlete's lifestyle.

Soundtrack

The musical elements of Just Wright feature a blend of original score and and hip-hop tracks that enhance the film's romantic and emotional narrative, particularly in scenes involving recovery, courtship, and montages. The original score was composed by and Lisa Coleman, who crafted soulful, understated instrumentation to support the story's intimate moments. Music supervision was provided by Michael Perfitt, who selected tracks emphasizing themes of love and resilience from artists in the R&B and hip-hop genres. Key songs include "" by Nikki & Rich, which accompanies the to establish a hopeful, introspective tone; "The Way That I Feel" by Vikter Duplaix featuring , used in a romantic montage to highlight budding affection; and "Anything (To Get Your Attention)" by , integrated into rehabilitation scenes to underscore determination and flirtation. The film concludes with "Open" performed by , playing over the end credits as a poignant reflection of vulnerability and connection, and "Next Time (Just Wright Version)" by Common featuring , which reinforces the protagonists' reconciliation during the closing sequence. These contributions from the lead actors add authenticity, blending their musical talents with the narrative's emotional beats. No official was released for the film.

Release

Theatrical Release

Just Wright had its world premiere at a red carpet event in on May 4, 2010, followed by a wide theatrical release in the United States by Fox Searchlight Pictures on May 14, 2010, across 1,831 screens. The film's marketing campaign featured trailers that spotlighted the romantic chemistry between leads and Common, alongside its basketball-centric storyline. Promotional partnerships included collaborations with the (NBA) and the New Jersey Nets, as well as sponsorships from brands like , , Nike, , , and Apple to tie into the sports theme. Internationally, distribution was limited, with releases in select markets such as on May 14, 2010 (limited), the on September 17, 2010, on August 13, 2010, and on June 25, 2010, generating an additional $327,302 in earnings. The film was rated PG by the of America (MPAA) for some suggestive material and brief language. It opened at number four at the domestic with $8.3 million in its first weekend.

Home Media Release

The home video release of Just Wright occurred on September 14, 2010, distributed by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in both DVD and Blu-ray formats. The standard DVD edition retailed for $29.98, while the Blu-ray combo pack, including a , was priced at $39.99. These releases followed closely after the film's modest theatrical performance, capitalizing on its audience appeal for home viewing. The DVD debuted at number 7 on the domestic sales chart for the week ending September 19, 2010, with estimated total domestic DVD sales reaching $12,075,517 across 380,280 units over six weeks. Blu-ray sales were more modest, totaling an estimated $775,272. Bonus features on the releases included the "The One You Can't Live Without," a 7-minute look at the film's development and cast dynamics; "Common on the Fast Break," a 5-minute segment focusing on co-star Common's preparation; a gag reel; and "When Amazing Happens," a 6-minute piece on NBA cameos. The Blu-ray exclusive added BD-Live functionality and an additional of the film. Digital availability began concurrently with the physical release, with the film offered for purchase and rental on platforms such as and Amazon Video starting in 2010. As of November 2025, Just Wright is available for rent and purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, but not for free streaming on major subscription services. International editions were available in Region 2 (e.g., release in 2011) and Region 4 formats, supporting localized subtitles and dubbing where applicable.

Reception and Impact

Critical Reception

Just Wright received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film holds a 47% approval rating based on 110 reviews, with an average rating of 5.4/10; the site's critics consensus states, "Well-intentioned but formulaic, Just Wright has winning leads but can't overcome its preponderance of cliches." On , it has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100 based on 26 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Critics frequently praised the chemistry between leads and Common, noting how their on-screen relationship builds gradually to create engaging moments of warmth and authenticity. Sanaa Hamri's direction was commended for the kinetic sequences. highlighted the film's uplifting message, portraying Latifah's character as a "miracle worker" who inspires perseverance without giving up on others. Common criticisms centered on the film's predictable plot and formulaic use of the sports-recovery trope, where the protagonist's drives the central romance. Reviewers also noted underdeveloped supporting characters, such as Paula Patton's self-centered interest, which contributed to an overall sense of blandness despite the leads' charm; awarded it 3 out of 4 stars, appreciating the appeal but acknowledging its reliance on familiar clichés. Audience reception was more positive, with a 61% approval rating on .

Box Office

Just Wright opened in fourth place at the North American box office, earning $8,284,989 from 1,831 theaters during its first weekend of May 14–16, 2010, achieving a per-screen average of approximately $4,524. The film went on to gross a total of $21,540,363 domestically over its theatrical run. In its second weekend, Just Wright placed fifth with $4,290,431, reflecting a 48% decline from its debut amid competition from blockbusters such as and . Additionally, 71% of the opening audience was over the age of 25. Internationally, the film earned just $327,302, primarily from limited releases in markets like Spain and France, bringing the worldwide total to $21,867,665. Produced on a budget of $12 million, Just Wright proved modestly profitable for Fox Searchlight Pictures, recouping its costs through domestic earnings alone.

Cultural Impact

Just Wright stands out as one of the few romantic comedies from the 2010s featuring Black leads in a sports narrative, highlighting a scarcity of such films during that decade as Black-led rom-coms declined after a peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The film promotes positive images of professional Black women through its protagonist, Leslie Wright, a skilled physical therapist whose career underscores themes of independence and competence, while also emphasizing family bonds as a supportive foundation in her journey. Additionally, it advances representation by centering a plus-size Black woman as the romantic lead, challenging historical stereotypes of African-American women in cinema and showcasing body diversity without relying on fantastical elements. The movie contributed to the "hood rom-com" subgenre, or urban romantic comedies, by blending elements of everyday city life with dynamics, creating a that resonates with Black audiences through relatable cultural idioms and aspirations. It draws comparisons to (2000) for its therapy-athlete romance structure, where personal healing and emotional growth parallel physical recovery, though Just Wright leans more into lighthearted clichés to drive the plot. Over time, Just Wright has developed a through streaming platforms, maintaining relevance in discussions of Queen Latifah's filmography as an underrated gem that solidifies her status as rom-com royalty. Its availability on Disney+ as of 2025 has further boosted accessibility, allowing newer audiences to engage with its story. The film has had a minor influence on portrayals of NBA life in cinema, featuring authentic elements and cameos that highlight the intersection of sports and personal relationships. In broader pop culture analyses, Just Wright is praised for exploring themes of self-worth and authentic love, as Leslie asserts her value against societal biases like fatphobia and colorism, ultimately rejecting a secondary role in romance. The narrative avoids major controversies by steering clear of harmful tropes, instead offering an affirming depiction of Black and mutual in relationships.

Awards and Nominations

Wins

The film Just Wright secured one key victory at the 42nd , held on March 4, 2011, at the Shrine Auditorium in , . Michael Elliot won the Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television) category for his original screenplay. Hosted by and , the ceremony honored excellence by people of color across entertainment fields, with Just Wright standing out among nominees like and . This win affirmed the screenplay's role in delivering engaging, character-driven narratives that promote positive representations in Black-led stories.

Nominations

Just Wright received several nominations from awards recognizing achievements in film, particularly those highlighting Black talent and romantic comedies. At the 42nd in 2011, the film was nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture. earned a nomination for Outstanding in a Motion Picture for her leading role as Leslie Wright. Common was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his portrayal of Scott McKnight. The 11th Black Reel Awards in 2011 recognized the film with nominations for Best Film, Best Director (), Best Screenplay (Michael Elliot), Best Actress (), and Outstanding Original Song ("Champion"). In the , received a nomination for Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy, shared with her work in .

References

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