Sometimes certain movies push the subject matter a little further thanothers in order to reach a hidden target audience. They also tend to garnermore attention by tapping those deep issues in everyone.

This is a story about women. Women battling their inner demons. Women whobattle for success, acceptance, understanding. Women who are friends, andwho become even better friends by being able to let their guards down andcommit to letting themselves feel free and important for the first time.But those steps taken were not easy ones.

This movie's true baseline is about four woman who choose the wrong men andare not happy about it. They each want to find the "ideal" man for whomthey are searching, and at times, their frustrations are directed to "allthe men in the world" who have failed them. There are critical parts andheartbreaking moments that will shed a bright, revealing light on thesewomen's personalities, so much so you might even reflect on your ownexperiences with a connection to one or more of these women. But ifanything, you'll be able agree that friendship creates a support system (orsister support as strong friendships melt into) and that is a powerfulfeeling.

You'll meet four diverse women who, as sure as they know the sun will risein the morning and set at night, have a heck of a time being sure abouttheir men and where they're going in their lives. Wanting to find love iscolor free and so is the pain of a broken and misguided heart. Thepredominantly African American cast provides the perfect blend of passionand longing for something better. I have read some reviews about this moviegetting mixed reactions, mostly about it slamming men and their faults. I'mnot saying the women depicted in the film made no mistakes or that they'recompletely innocent, but they are coming to terms with their lifestyle andhow it affects their futures.

One woman in particular, Bernadine (Angela Bassett), thought she'd bemarried for life until her husband of 11 years with whom she gave birth totheir two children and his successful company, confessed he'd be leavingher for another woman. OK, stuff like that happens, we hate it when it doesand wish that it didn't. Keep following though... you'll like the result!

After the shock wore off, Bernadine's adrenaline was on high power. She wasmore than just feeling scorned as her anger turned to outrage and sheturned up the heat...Literally! The struggles these ladies, such asBernadine, go through include trust, moral issues, and confidence in endingtoxic relationships in order to heal and grow. The other women havedifferent situations, but with the core problem: a man wasn't what heclaimed to be and they weren't going to settle anymore.

Meet Savannah (Whitney Houston), a strong energetic career woman... who isin love. Sounds great, so what could be wrong? Yep, the second installmentof the same old story of a man who is in love with his mistress, but willbe leaving his wife soon...really, he is! Gloria (Loretta Devine) feels thecold chill of love. Not only has it been 10 years since she has had aserious relationship of any kind, but the man who fathered her child(althought he's only seen a few times) has confessed he's gay and her sonwho has been her lifeline is planing to travel to Europe. Rounding out thefour corners of sisterhood is Robin (Lela Rochon). Flirty, bold,successful, uninhibited, sexually frustrated at times, but not afraid togive pointers to the casual encounters of men in her life. Yes, she playsit safe -- smart girl!

So what's wrong there, you ask? Again, another situation with a married manand this one has a lasting effect. Forest Whitaker's directorial film debutenabled him to gather a wonderfully juicy and taboo subject with which towork. This is important considering that the nature of the film revolvesaround women and their issues with men. It shows right there that justbecause this is a movie about women and their issues, it does not mean aman cannot tell this story or not have it show the dynamics of the men inthis movie through the eyes of the female characters.

Ultimately it's about showing your true feelings and being happy with whoyou are. Finding a wonderful man is what all these ladies would want tohave in their lives; they just have to learn how to balance what is intheir life right now and, when ready, open themselves to finding thatspecial man who will treat them as an equal and a soul mate. For that tohappen, they will have to discoverer themselves first. Any fan of WhitneyHouston or other soulful sounds that grace your CD player, you'll be happywith the soundtrack. Definitely worth a second listen! This is a salute towoman. Don't be afraid to take chances, learn by your mistakes, keepbelieving in real love, and be proud of your world and the friendships thatsurround you. And now, you can exhale!