HAV PLENTY

• Starring Christopher Scott Cherot, Chenoa Maxwell and Robinne Lee
• Directed by Christopher Scott Cherot
• Rated R, with profanity and sexual references; running time 93 minutes
• With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a 7

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(June 19, 1998) -- Despite his name, Lee Plenty doesn't have much.

As portrayed by Christopher Scott Cherot in Hav Plenty, the central character is a flat broke, homeless writer, constantly struggling to write a screenplay.

But he hasn't a clue how it'll end. (Of course, we soon discover that the film he's "writing" is the film we're watching.)

Lee also is a passive observer of life, and proudly unambitious. Nothing much bothers him -- except, maybe, that people expect him to be bothered.

If that's not enough, Lee also has sworn off dating and is in a self-imposed state of celibacy.

Strange as it may seem, those quirks combine to make him the object of many a woman's desires.

All the surprising passion erupts during a New Year's Eve holiday weekend where Lee is a guest of the prosperous Savage family.

He has long known Havilland Savage (Chenoa Maxwell) and if he were to admit to loving anyone, it's her.

Hav, though, is in the midst of a volatile relationship with a popular hip-hop recording artist named Michael (Hill Harper). She simply views Lee as a brotherly friend.

Other Savage family members include Hav's married sister, Leigh (Robinne Lee), who likes having Lee to confide in; and Hav's grandmother (Betty Vaughn), who is the only person who understands that Lee and Hav are meant for each other.

Also at the Savages are two of Hav's friends, the tightly strung Caroline (Tammi Jones), who immediately sets her sights on Lee, and Bobby (Kim Simmons) who feels a burning need to tell Lee all her secrets.

With all those women about, the bemused Lee finds himself juggling their confidences, desires and attitudes, while trying to figure out how his screenplay will end.

Though Hav Plenty sometimes lacks dramatic tension or taut pacing, it's a cleverly constructed romantic comedy. At its center is the debut performance by Cherot, who stepped into the lead role at the last minute.

Cherot's original intent was to only wear three hats on the film -- as writer, director and editor. Filmgoers will be glad he donned a fourth.

As Lee, Cherot offers a droll, easygoing and often-amusing screen presence, especially when he "breaks the wall" to address filmgoers directly.

Though Hav Plenty sometimes demonstrates the ragged edges of a first-time, low-budget effort, the film ultimately is an ingratiating, fresh-faced romantic comedy.

And Cherot demonstrates talents both in front of and behind the camera that are well worth watching.