Is there any hope for an already crumbling marriage to survive when the aftermath of a car accident threatens to ruin what is left of two people's relationship?
 
Based on the book by T.D. Jakes, one of America's most prominent preachers, "Not Easily Broken," which made its nationwide premiere today, finds a married couple reaching a breaking point after years of failing to agree on what true happiness, success, and love really are. 

In the wake of a traffic accident, which seriously injures Clarice Johnson, played by adoptive mother in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Taraji P. Henson, both she and her husband Dave Johnson, portrayed by Morris Chestnut, end up flirting with divorce.

Ten years into their journey as husband and wife, Clarice and Dave have slowly grown apart. While Dave barely settles with his contractor job after his youthful dreams of a professional baseball career were wrecked by an injury, Clarice no longer has much time or energy for sex after putting in a hard day as a real-estate broker in Southern California.  

Frustrated with their relationship, both seek to satisfy their need for attention and affection outside their marriage, Clarice's bitter and intrusive mom moves in while Dave increasingly finds solace in the company of his pals, including the hyper, super-sensitive Tree, played by a reliably manic Kevin Hart.  He also starts pursuing a relationship with Clarice's single and attractive physical therapist and her teenage son sparking his desire for a more passionate relationship and family.

The overly protective mother, brilliantly played by Jenifer Lewis, ends up doing more harm turning her daughter against her husband, who according to her was never good enough for her.

But before it becomes too late to save anything, things are turned around by their concerned pastor and spiritual advisor, Bishop Wilkes, (Albert Hall,) who reminds Dave about the purpose and importance of their vows.

The story is told from Dave's perspective, which is probably a novelty for movies with such a strong soap opera character.

"I think that what makes this film so important is that it is a love story told from a male perspective," director Bill Jakes said in a recent interview. "It’s a story about marriage and love and intimacy, and how difficult it is to grow in love and not grow apart."

Explaining the title, Jakes said he went to Bible scripture for inspiration.

"We can have soul ties that develop with people quite quickly for a myriad of reasons that are not easily broken. But the central theme is that when we allow our faith to guide our family … that love is not easily broken," he said.

"Not Easily Broken" tends to lack vitality which takes away from its full potential which is only salvaged by Chestnut and Henson's very solid performances, although both actors acted fairly better in other roles.

"Not Easily Broken" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It has some profanity and sexual references and situations.