Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net Feb 24, 2026

Do we want a rom-com about cheaters? I don't think so.

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Justin Brown Medium Popcorn Feb 14, 2023 2/5

I love a good romantic comedy that gives me meat and potatoes. But this just gave me a salad. I wanted to enjoy this more but the script, particularly regarding Dre's character, fell flat for me.

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Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn Feb 14, 2023 3/5

It's a solid romantic comedy that doesn't quite hold the main characters accountable for their actions for other love interests. But I absolutely love this soundtrack.

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Kat Halstead Common Sense Media Jun 22, 2022 3/5

It's pretty formulaic stuff, but the performances from both leads and the supporting characters -- particularly Queen Latifah and Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) -- elevate this romcom above the usual fare.

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Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Dec 30, 2008 3/4

The spirit of the old school echoes strongly throughout the film and parallels the purity of the passions and personalities of the paramours.

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Todd Gilchrist IGN Jul 2, 2008

Brown Sugar manages to take hip-hop's well-established history and make it digestible for audiences not necessarily tied directly into the core of that culture.

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Betsy Bozdech DVDJournal.com Sep 1, 2006 3/4

Diggs and Lathan -- both appealing, genuine performers who have real chemistry here -- are unquestionably the stars of this show.

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Matthew Turner ViewLondon Jul 16, 2003 3/5

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Tyler Hanley Palo Alto Weekly May 20, 2003 2.5/4

Fine performances from Diggs and Lathan give life to an otherwise rehashed love story, but musician Mos Def steals the show.

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Terri Clark Apollo Guide Mar 22, 2003 67/100

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Kimberley Jones Austin Chronicle Mar 10, 2003 3/5

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Ron Bishow Katrillion.com Dec 18, 2002

All in all, Brown Sugar is a satisfying well-made romantic comedy that's both charming and well acted. It will guarantee to have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face.

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Rick Kisonak Film Threat Dec 8, 2002 2.5/5

The plot is romantic comedy boilerplate from start to finish.

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Adam Nayman eye WEEKLY Nov 19, 2002 2.5/5

True to its title, this hip-hop When Harry Met Sally is plenty sweet, but is that what we really want from a film set in the world of rap music?

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Eric D. Snider EricDSnider.com Nov 9, 2002 C-

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Mike McGranaghan Aisle Seat Nov 7, 2002 3/4

Brown Sugar takes an old tale and tells it in a fresh, modern way. The music's pretty good, too.

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Matt Easterbrook Matt's Movie Reviews Nov 1, 2002 3.5/5

Brown Sugar is nothing you haven't seen before, but if you're into the whole New York-based romantic comedy thing, you'll probably find it a blast.

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Linda Cook Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) Oct 27, 2002 3/4

Hip-hop has a history, and it's a metaphor for this love story.

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Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution Oct 26, 2002 B+

It's predictable, but it jumps through the expected hoops with style and even some depth.

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Joe Baltake Sacramento Bee Oct 25, 2002 3/4

A lot more dimensional and complex than its sunny disposition would lead you to believe.

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