Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are a certifiable Hollywood power couple. Famous in their respective careers before getting married in 1997, the two have continued to helm blockbuster hits since then.
And although they have been in the news recently for their private lives – a matter Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have discussed on Jada’s talk show – it’s their public output that remains appealing to movie fans. While the media attention is presently on the two, let’s take a quick look at their best movies. The following four films – one starring Will, two starring Jada, and one starring both of them – are arguably their finest works to date.
Ali (2001)
Despite some concessions to Hollywood biopic clichés, Ali is a strong movie. Almost as strong as its titular figure. The film stars Will as Muhammed Ali, and Jada as Ali’s first wife, Sonji Roi, both turning in spectacular performances. For his turn as the boxer with a poet’s soul, Will received his first Oscar nomination.
Ali remains a relevant and prescient story. Echoing the current BLM movement and Colin Kaepernick protest, Ali takes place amid a backdrop of social and political turmoil following the assassination of Malcolm X. Muhammed Ali was a fierce advocate for social change, and Ali does a great job capturing his fighting spirit.
Men in Black (1997)
Men in Black is fun. Pure and simple. Based on the Aircel Comics series of the same name, the film is one of the rare comic book adaptations to surpass its source material. Its genius lies partly in its casting: pairing the energetic, goofy late 90s Will Smith with the gravelly, no-nonsense Tommy Lee Jones makes for an irresistible sci-fi Odd Couple.
Throw in an unhinged performance from Vincent D’Onofrio as a bug alien in human skin, Tony Shalhoub as an alien pawnshop owner and Linda Fiorentino as a down-to-earth medical examiner – you’ve got yourself a fun time at the movies.
Collateral (2004)
Collateral’s gritty, grainy, noirish look is partly due to it being one of the first major films to embrace the digital camera. But honorable mentions go to severe performances from Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Revolving around a hitman on a killing spree, and the cab driver forced to drive him around Los Angeles, the thriller is every bit as nail-biting now as when it came out 15 years ago. It’s a must-watch.
Girls Trip (2017)
Girls Trip is a contemporary comedy classic. From the moment it was released, you could tell that it was something special. Its blend of raunchy gross-out humour, raucous buddy comedy and affecting relationship drama is infectious. And its focus on Black female friendship is charming, empowering and audacious.
Starring Jada Pinkett Smith alongside Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and – in the breakout role to rule all breakout roles – Tiffany Haddish, this ensemble comedy shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve somehow made it to 2020 without seeing Girls Trip, rectify the situation.
What are you favorite Will and Jada Pinkett Smith movies? And what kinds of projects would you like to see the Hollywood power couple take in the future?
