Waiting to Exhale (1995)

My Review

“Waiting to Exhale” is the story of four women and their trials and tribulations in their romantic relationships. Director Forest Whitaker, in his feature film debut, and screenwriters Terry McMillan and Ronald Bass, crafted an engrossing drama that transcends the expected “chic flick” genre. The four principal stars, Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon all deliver energetic and spontaneous performances that make the movie easy to watch.

The four head an almost entirely African-American cast that includes Gregory Hines, Dennis Haysbert, Mykelti Williamson, Michael Beach, Donald Faison, Leon Robinson, Wendall Pierce, and Brandon Hammond. There were small, uncredited cameos for Wesley Snipes, Kelly Preston, and Giancarlo Esposito.

It is worth mentioning the high-quality soundtrack composed by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. It really added another dimension to the motion picture. The very watchable “Waiting to Exhale” was a success at the box office for 20th Century Fox during the Christmas season of 1995.