By Mallory Mattingly
Hollywood producer DeVon Franklin turned Pastor Michael Todd’s dating and marriage book Relationship Goals into a movie, but it didn’t come without some challenges.
“When TV producer Leah Caldwell aims to become the first woman running New York’s top morning show, her ex Jarrett Roy competes for the same role. He claims to be changed by the book Relationship Goals, which becomes a theme as her friends explore the book’s wisdom too. Leah stays focused on her career — until chemistry with her ex challenges her priorities,” a synopsis of the film reads.
Franklin recently revealed some of the difficulties he faced when turning a “self-help” book into a movie.
“Yeah. That’s probably one of the hardest things. His book is incredible — great advice, self-help book. There is not a narrative. So I had to work with [writers] Michael Elliot, Corey Tynan, Laura Lekkos to really put together a screenplay that would be faithful to the book but create a story that could stand on its own,” Franklin said on TODAY WITH JENNA & SHEINELLE.
Franklin wasn’t sure how the movie would do after it released on Prime Video on Feb. 4. But in just 24 hours, RELATIONSHIP GOALS became the top movie in the United States.
“In 24 hours you all made Relationship Goals the #1 movie in the US on @primevideo ‼️‼️‼️” the producer celebrated on Instagram. “Thank you so much for your support, I don’t take any of this for granted, I’m deeply grateful and I’m so glad to see how much you are loving this movie!!!”
He shared in another post that he is “so proud” of the movie, noting that it took five years to produce.
“And let me tell you it came at the right time,” Franklin added. “I’ve been seeing all your comments and I’m overwhelmed with how much you’re loving the movie! Keep watching, streaming and talking about it!”
The movie stars Kelly RowlandMethod ManRobin ThedeAnnie GonzalezDennis HaysbertMatt WalshDeVaughn NixonRyan Jamaal SwainPastor Michael Todd and Natalie Todd.
Movieguide® gave RELATIONSHIP GOALS a -2 content score due to some foul language, occult references and sexual themes.
Part of Movieguide®’s for the movie reads:
RELATIONSHIP GOALS is a fast-paced romcom on Prime Video that keeps viewers on their toes. Leah Caldwell, a driven and focused TV producer, is about to receive the promotion of a lifetime, the title of showrunner. However, the studio decides to bring in another candidate to test alongside her for the job. Leah is determined to take down whoever they bring to her. However, she’s stunned when they bring in Jarret Roy, her ex-boyfriend. Her determination doubles at the sight of the man who cheated on her. So, Leah does everything in her power to beat him for the top position, despite his many attempts to reconcile. Things begin to shift, however, when they interview a pastor on godly love and relationships for Valentine’s Day. Leah begins to see all the personal flaws holding her back in life.
RELATIONSHIP GOALS is a fast-paced, hilarious, well-acted romantic comedy with great positive messages supporting Christian faith and godly love. However, the movie has some foul language, sexual themes and occult references showing people’s fallenness before faith that seem more provocative than they should have been.
Todd shared his heart behind the movie, telling Movieguide®, “I’m hoping this movie, this book, this message would show you a piece of yourself….and if [viewers] get it in a way that’s not attacking, or unassuming, it’s easier to be able to digest and think about…I think it’ll transform their life.”
“My prayer is that this movie inspires the world,” he added in an interview with Essence.
RELATIONSHIP GOALS is available to stream on Prime Video.
Read Next: From Good to Great: Real Stories Inspired by Relationship Goals
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