Watch Hav Plenty

Hav Plenty is a romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of a struggling writer, Lee Plenty (Christopher Scott Cherot), who is trying to make it big in New York City. Despite his extraordinary talent, Lee has failed to find success in his writing career, leading him to financial hardship and emotional turbulence. The film follows Lee's journey as he meets Havilland Savage (Chenoa Maxwell), a beautiful and successful businesswoman with whom he falls in love. Hav makes a significant impact on Lee's life, both personally and professionally, as he tries to come to terms with his failures, his aspirations, and his feelings for Hav.

As the film opens, Lee is broke and homeless, having recently lost his apartment and job. With nowhere else to go, he approaches an old friend, Andre (Hill Harper), who works as a personal assistant to a wealthy record label executive. Andre agrees to let Lee crash at his boss's luxurious mansion, where he gets the opportunity to rub shoulders with the city's elite, including Havilland Savage.

Havilland is instantly drawn to Lee's charm and wit, and the two strike up a friendship. Lee is infatuated with Havilland, but he struggles to bridge the gap between their different social statuses. Nonetheless, they embark on a series of adventures together, from a fancy dinner party to a weekend getaway, during which Lee begins to see Havilland's softer, more vulnerable side.

As Lee works on his new book, he shares bits and pieces of his writing with Havilland, who encourages him to pursue his dreams. In turn, Lee helps Havilland navigate the complexities of her love life, particularly her tumultuous relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Michael (Reginald James). The two become close confidants, sharing their hopes, fears, and struggles with each other.

However, as Lee's feelings for Havilland deepens, he becomes increasingly aware of the barriers that stand between them, both in terms of their social backgrounds and their personal histories. His insecurities and self-doubt threaten to derail their relationship, putting their bond to the test.

Hav Plenty is a refreshing take on the classic romantic comedy genre, exploring themes of love, identity, and social mobility with nuance and humor. The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Christopher Scott Cherot, who also wrote and directed the movie. Cherot's portrayal of Lee is nuanced and sympathetic, capturing the character's wit, intelligence, and vulnerability. Chenoa Maxwell delivers a powerful performance as Havilland, conveying both her strength and her vulnerability as a successful black woman in a white-dominated world. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their love story both believable and compelling.

In addition to its romantic plotline, Hav Plenty also addresses issues of race and class, highlighting the challenges faced by African Americans who are attempting to succeed in a world that is hostile to their aspirations. Lee's struggles to make it as a writer echo the experiences of many young artists and intellectuals, while Havilland's success is a reminder that black women can be both ambitious and vulnerable. The film's thoughtful and nuanced approach to these issues makes it a valuable contribution to the canon of African American cinema.

Overall, Hav Plenty is a charming and witty romantic comedy-drama that offers a fresh perspective on love, friendship, and achievement. The film's impressive performances and intelligent writing make it a must-see for fans of the genre, as well as anyone interested in exploring issues of race and class in contemporary America.

Hav Plenty is a 1997 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.