It appears Malcolm Lee couldn't decide on a dramatic or comedic approach to the movie. There also were too many subplots. I don't think fans really cared about Harper's job loss and book failure, Julian's charity's funding problem, or Candace's sexual history.
It also cast too many weak characters, namely Quentin and Shelby, portrayed by Howard and De Sousa. Quentin's growth was badly stunted; it would have been good to see him as a mature man. In contrast, Shelby totally regressed into a low class, foul mouth, poorly dressed woman pursuing her ex boyfriend, a man with less wealth than her and who was married. Also, casting the 2 bi-racial actors as children of Lance and Mia and failing to mention that they were adopted was problematic.
Finally, the film wisely gave Jordan a man who was her social and professional equal. Their relationship could have made for a good subplot, however, it was unfortunately marginalized and subjected to the black male's hypocritical view of white/ black relationships. He dares to question the white male's intentions towards the black woman, implying that he is the defender, protector of black womanhood against purported racist white men (lol). In contrast, when white women are cast opposite black men, black male characters never question the white female characters' motivations or intentions. Rather, she is quietly integrated into the all black environment as though she belongs there.