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David E. Talbert’s Baggage Claim begins with a look at the life of lonely flight attendant Montana Moore. 

Like many modern day singles, her relationship status does not dictate her actual self esteem. Well, that is until Montana is confronted with the news that her younger sister (played by Lauren London) is getting married. This situation ignites a primal urge in Montana to change her single status immediately! And her goal? To find a suitable mate. 

To assist her on this journey are a slew of unsuitable mates, played brilliantly by Boris Kodjoe, Taye Diggs, Trey Songs, and more, as well as those that help her reach her goal – her two extremely funny coworkers Jill Scott an Adam Brody, and her understanding neighbor William, played by Derek Luke.

The actual journey that Montana makes to get to a place of love is what I liked most about the film. I’m single, and my own path to love has been a comedic journey. At times it’s been rather sad; and at other times it’s been clad with laughter. It’s ever changing, although this may sound cliche; self love is the true start of any romance. The film does not really go that deep into the exploration of self love, but it does explore the choices that we all can make to push love right along; if that’s what we desire.

The film does not miss a beat with the placement of pivotal characters. Its antagonist is Montana’s mother; played by Jennifer Lewis. At times, throughout the film, it appears as though Montana cares more about her mother’s opinion of her being single, than actually finding a mate. Her mother has such a strong opinion of love and relationships; and this scares and slightly intimidates Montana. 

Many of us care so much about what our parents think about our mate selection; but we never openly discuss it. I even believe that parents should assist their children in marrying well; but that’s a different article. Now, Montana’s mother does not help her find a mate in this film; but their actual mother-daughter love journey of understanding each other is explored on screen.

There are many times during the film that you will laugh; and at times you will be sad for Montana. The key lesson or message that I took from this film is that we all have the ability to make a decision to experience the type of relationships that we ultimately desire. We all don’t desire the same type of mates; and that is the journey; sorting through the “baggage” that is not ours, and claiming what is.

Fox Searchlight opens Baggage Claim in theaters today.