‘Think Like a Man Too’ deepens the relationships, Vegas-style

In 2012, “Think Like a Man,” about five ethnically diverse couples, unexpectedly topped the box office for several weekends in a row.

Director Tim Story felt he had more to say about the love-seeking characters. So he returned for “Think Like a Man Too,” a new film that picks up where the relationships in the previous movie left off.

“I knew there were more stories to be told -- once all these couples got together, life doesn’t end there,” Story said at the Hollywood premiere last week. “There’s so much more to talk about and deal with -- kids and marriage … I thought it made sense to come back and do it again.”

Added star Meagan Good, “We fell in love with our characters as well…we wanted to know what happens to them next.”

In the sequel, Candace (Regina Hall) is getting married to Michael (Terrence Jenkins), and the couple invite all of their friends to Las Vegas to celebrate.

As best man, Cedric (Kevin Hart) goes all out and books an over-the-top suite at Caesars Palace that is actually far beyond his means. When he realizes he may be unable to pay for the lavish digs, he and his buddies are forced to spend the night trying to win money instead of partying as planned. The result is the typical Sin City craziness with comedic twists and turns, with the couples also at various crossroads in their lives.

The movie, which comes out Friday, is inspired by the relationship-advice bestseller of Steve Harvey, whose work also informed and figured into the first film.

Many of the actors said they were enthusiastic to partner up with their pals again. “We got to watch that movie catch lightning in a bottle and succeed,” said Jerry Ferrara, whose character is unsure whether he’s ready for fatherhood. “When they said they wanted to do a part two it wasn’t even something I had to consider.”

That was especially true, they added, in Sin City.

“We’re all legit friends outside Hollywood,” said Gabrielle Union, who plays Ferrara’s wife. “So if someone is going to pay you to go on location with your close friends and you get to do what you love, what more do you need?”

But, she added, the film took some artistic liberties. “in real life, if you’re on the cusp of breaking up, don’t go to Vegas. You’re not going to make it.”

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