Premium (2006)

100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
61% of users liked it
(2,727 ratings)

Frankie L. Faison, Hill Harper, and Zoe Saldana star in director Pete Chatmon's tale of an emerging African American actor who embarks on a frantic race to prevent the love of his life from marrying another man. After being ejected from a casting call for a tempestuous outburst, told by his mother… More Frankie L. Faison, Hill Harper, and Zoe Saldana star in director Pete Chatmon's tale of an emerging African American actor who embarks on a frantic race to prevent the love of his life from marrying another man. After being ejected from a casting call for a tempestuous outburst, told by his mother that he will soon be homeless in the city, and discovering that his one-time fiancée is set to be married in just thirty-eight hours, the lovelorn thespian sets out to get his act together and convince his would-be bride that the pair were always meant to be together. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Pete Chatmon
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 23, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Apr 17, 2007
Studio: Codeblack TV

Critic Reviews

Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In gasoline terms, Premium isn't. But the romantic dramedy has some high-octane emotional moments, thanks to writer-director Pete Chatmon's wise dissection of the games one-time lovers play.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Standout thesping by stars Dorian Missick and Zoe Saldana, along with fully fleshed-out secondary roles, distinguish Pete Chatmon's gentle comedy.
Bill Stamets, Chicago Sun-Times
Chatmon reworks many elements of Robert Townsend's erratic 1987 film Hollywood Shuffle into a fluent story that favors character over satire.
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
A high-stakes romantic comedy which pits a bourgie brother against another from the 'hood who knows how to keep it real.
Frank Lovece, Film Journal International
Has a problem with its slack and meandering narrative...but it's still well worth a look for its generous wit, casual insightfulness, and love of humanity.
Kam Williams, EURWeb
A high-stakes romantic comedy which pits a bourgie brother against another from the 'hood who knows how to keep it real.
Wilson Morales, BlackFilm.com
Chatmon's ability to inject humor while addressing some serious issues with the film business and romantic relationships add to his talent and makes "Premium" worth seeing.
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine
Premium's believable moments slightly prevail over its inauthentic ones, helping writer-director Pete Chatmon's modestly played drama just barely cross over the brink of compelling naturalism.