New Tyler Perry Movie, New Wave of Criticism

I will admit I was not impress by the first string of Madeah movies - and he makes an atrocious woman but that is neither here nor there. But hte last fe have been basic good movie fluff in my opion , Daddly little Girls, Why did I get married and this current film which I haven't seen, do follow formula but I think its the same formula that is peddled to all movie audiences, which I think says a lot about Mr Perrys growth as an artist. AS I recall in relationship movies typically the man does soemthing stoopid and the woman must learn to over come her short comings nad they live happily ever after, its just reality that we put a larger focus on finding enlightenment going to church than others. Go figure. And I am for one glad he has the opportunity to tell stories to more people about black people.

blaquepen.com/wobl

Sent by Raquita | 12:40 PM | 9-16-2008

Since when is pork generaly bad for you?!
Obviously, someone in the black community is going to Tyler Perry movies.
I've tried (twice) to sit through one on cable. Alas, 30 mins. into the movie I always found something else to do.
However, let's be fair to the man. He does what he does. The movies are not presented as "high art" or indie films. They are spoofs on black life in America. That's it.
To the extent some feel Perry should choose an alternate route. That's not what he does.
Many thought the Cosby show was flawed because it did not portray the "everyday" black American family. However, in hindsight it was a least aspirational and showed many blacks and other groups "middle to upper middle class" black people on TV.

Sent by Jerry | 12:44 PM | 9-16-2008

I honestly don't enjoy his movies. They always seen to have too much going on and the drama is too much for me to handle, but I do admire Perry for being a man who had a dream and pursued it until he became successful. That's what we all can learn from him, no matter whether we think his movies are high art or not.

Sent by James McKissic | 12:52 PM | 9-16-2008

There is nothing more hollow than empty words and lofty cliches that have no real meaning or compassion in them. So Geoffrey Bennett before talking about a movie you never seen is driving without license. I saw the movie
This Movie The Family that Preys Together was a master peace. Sensation. And you will leave out of that movie remembering 2 things. Looks can be deceiving, and things are not always the way they seem. I laughed , cried, and on one part for something so wrong that seem so right the entired theatre Applaud!! This is a must see movie.

Sent by Sandy | 1:15 PM | 9-16-2008

Sandy, thanks for your comment. To be clear, I am not the author of the post you referenced. That's the work of blogger Corey Richardson, reposted here on our site.

Sent by Geoff Bennett | 1:27 PM | 9-16-2008

No, I don't agree. Obviously this person is dealing with some issues...a personal thing perhaps. I will admit, I did feel as though Tyler Perry's movies were predictable...until I saw 'Why Did I Get Married.' That changed my perspective. Sure, Tyler Perry does continue to release "fairy tale ending" type of movies (the ones with Madea in them), but he also has the ability to switch things up to please all of his fans (I'm not a fan of the fairy tale ones...I prefer the other movies). This person obviously needs to go and see the movie b/c it is nothing like he assumes.

Sent by Eliss | 1:31 PM | 9-16-2008

I don't completely disagreee with the comments. I have a problem with Tyler Perry's films and plays. I have not seen all of either. However, I did see The Family that Preys. I must say of the stuff that Mr. Perry has done, this is by far the best. That is not as much of a compliment as it may seem. The Family that Preys has some major flaws, in plot and character development, some of it did not make any sense at all! However, there were some good laughs and some things that were poigant. My final point Tyler is doing what he thinks is right. If the commenter has a problem with Perry, he is right not to go see his movie. There are some other movie makers he might want to skip as well because they aren't doing the brothers and sisters any favors.

Sent by PRiley | 1:43 PM | 9-16-2008

My first exposure to Madea was a poor quality play on tape at a friend's house. I thought it would be tacky and buffoonish but about five minutes into it I found it to be hilarious. It does use some stuff many would label as stereotypes but to me it just seems like Perry uses some shared cultural experiences to tell a story. Now in the movies the acting isn't always that great, it can be a bit melodramatic, but its still fun to watch. Everything doesn't have to be Shakespeare. Perry also usually manages to sneak in a couple of positive Black male characters which Frankly, after having to read a lot of Toni Morrison in college, is a relief.

Sent by Brandon Whitney | 2:37 PM | 9-16-2008

The Family that preys was EXCELLENT. IVE SEEN IT 3 TIMES!

Im trying to understand why do people feel that when they go to see a movie they are to be entertained ALL THE TIME. Tyler Perry movies/plays are funny, but people what happened to LEARNING SOMETHING FROM THEM?

Im so tired of hearing people saying "his moveis are too preachy" well baby look around we are living in our last days, AINT NOBODY DOING THAT DOGONE GOOD, TILL WHERE GOD'S WORD IS TOO PREACHY..........COMNG FROM ANNNNNNNNNNNYBODY!

Watch Tyler's movies to see yourselves, or a family member, coworker, or friend on the screen. Encourage them to go and see the movie. This is about LEARNING people, about seeing yourself on the screen and forgiven yourself, forgive others, love each other, look out for each other. If there's somethng you dont like about what you are seeing and you ARE THAT PERSON..... do something about it, If its someone you know. TELL THEM to see the movie. HELP THEM. It saddens me when people always want * others to get their party started* its not about entertaining all the time, its about LEARNING A THING OR TWO.

And that's what Lacrease loves about Tyler Perry movies/plays.

neshacrese@aol.com
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FWE3ew49eqUuSijOsE.Ja1x7w4tLuBHbIoj8Nw--?cq=1

Sent by Lacrease | 3:25 PM | 9-16-2008

If Mr. Richardson has a problem with Tyler Perry flims, then don't go see them. They're not deep, but they're a form of entertainment. And they're clean movies. I'd rather young people see a Tyler Perry movie than some of the music videos out today.

Sent by PG | 3:29 PM | 9-16-2008

the family that prey together was so far one of his best, his movies draws a croud including whites

Sent by janet | 3:32 PM | 9-16-2008

Tyler Perry produces poignant movies with which many African Americans can identify. When I was growing up, I hardly saw myself represented on televison or the big screen. Although the content of his movies is fictional, many of us can empathize with segments of his movies. I appauld Mr. Perry for surviving in an idustry that could be hostile to African Americans.

Sent by Ismail A. Hakim | 4:05 PM | 9-16-2008

I have read all of the comments and come to this sum, he is making a honest living, and sharing some hope along the way, as we all know ,sure these plays make for drama, but if this is not your cup of tea, then turn it off, the world is made of choices but at the same time everyday people still seem to go through, and eventhough some canot identifiy,it delievers others and set them free (somehow).

Sent by kenneth royster | 4:16 PM | 9-16-2008

I went to see Tyler Perrys latest offering, and I wasn't offended or disappointed. Tyler makes morality plays, his writting and productions are getting better with every film, the brother employs blacks folks in the front and back of the camera. Sure his films may appear simplistic to a true cinematist. But they serve their audience!

Sent by Lincoln Perry | 4:51 PM | 9-16-2008

Why all the fuss? I do not consider myself a Tyler Perry fan, but I realize that his productions have opened up an entirely new entertainment source for many people. People who do not like the productions should stay away and stop griping!

Sent by Duke Morris | 5:34 PM | 9-16-2008

Tyler Perry's movies to many ordinary black people, like my mother and sisters, is like SARAH PALIN to redneck culture. If you are not of it, you cannot appreciate it, but it is alive. Most of his movies are CRAP, and it does put men in the worst light and women in a desperate one--all the time. I agree with Mr. Richardson. Tyler Perry's personal story is amazing. His father was a vicious abuser according to my readings, so, maybe, like the rest of us, he is exercising DEMONS. But my problem is, I don't want to have to choose between crappy Black film-plays or none at all. Why can't the brother be more serious as an ARTIST and Filmmaker? CRAP IS CRAP, whether it conveys the words of god or the words of santa clause.

Sent by massai | 8:49 PM | 9-16-2008

I enjoyed The Family That Preys, to think we have Tyler Perry living out his dream, his passion is a blessing at best for those who appreciate the art he delivers. I'm sure he will welcome any competition and would probably mentor those who have the desire and the courage to follow their dream. The one thing I do enjoy is the lesson he leaves you with in his plays and movies. Plus, as stated earlier, he employees a lot of brothers and sisters that are happy for the opportunity.

Sent by Paula Carey | 9:06 PM | 9-16-2008

If Tyler Perry were White, Black folks would be yowling from the highest mountains at the racial stereotypes. Garbage. Pure garbage. There is no art in his coonage. A modern day Step 'n Fetchit. His movies are some of the worst movies of all time and his plays are no better from the parts I have seen. And that is only because my teenage neices, who think the sun coming up in the morning is funny, watch them when I go home for a visit.

A cross dressing Black man hating clown.

Sent by Thomas B. | 4:01 AM | 9-17-2008

When I want comedic/dramatic entertainment based ONE person's perspective of ONE black community, I watch a Tyler Perry movie. When I want that same kind of entertainment based on a broader demographic perspective, I select accordingly. When I want to learn something new, I choose a movie that offers lessons or visit a library. I suggest that each of us take a lesson from Mr. Perry and decide how to compose our lives. I salute Tyler for doing what he does so well! do

Sent by Nia I. Abuwi | 10:58 AM | 9-17-2008

I agree with Corey but with slight qualification. I feel TP's movies are getting "stronger". They still lack great writing, compelling characters and a complexed story line, but I see what he's doing.

More importantly, he's doing it outside of the Hollywood establishment which arguably would not give him or any other young Black director this chance at growth and experimentation.

Is it always pretty? No. But then again, does it have to be?

If what he is doing amounts to "practice" I'm fine with that. There is something to be said about craft and diligent honing of one's chosen craft. Denying craftiness, however, might not be to our advantage as people.

Sent by Dominick Brady | 11:08 AM | 9-17-2008

I ENJOY WATCHING ALL YUR MOVIES TYLER, SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KEEP THE UN-EDUCATED, AND I USE THAT STRONGLY AWYA FROM ALL YOUR PRIDE.I DONT SEE ANY OTHER MOVIE DIRECTOR OUT HERE PUTTING REAL LIFE SCENARIOS ON THE BIG SCRENE, NOR DO I SEE ANY WHITE MAN OR WOMAN DOING IT EITHER. SO FOR ANY OF YOU TO CRITICIZE HIS WORK YOU ALL NEED TO SIT AT HOME CONTINUE TO WATCH POLITICS AND SHUT UP.IT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAKE ME SICK TO EVEN LOOK AT, MORE SO TO EVEN READ YOUR COMMENTS.I DON'T SEE YOU OUT HERE MAKING THE KIND OF MONEY HE'S MAKING SO WHO'S LAUGHING NOW???????????

Sent by RENATA | 10:00 AM | 9-18-2008

I don't understand why people who don't see movies want to critique it and make ass-umptions. The Family That Preys was excellent. Way better than Tyler Perry's other movies. Yes, I agree, I'm not a fan of most of his movies. But The Family That Preys was awesome. Give the man a chance to grow. He's getting better as he ages, like fine wine. People always try to knock brothers down. I'm happy he's making money and that he's doing so without denigrating black womanhood.

Sent by samantha | 10:25 AM | 9-20-2008

But, Samantha, he does denigrate black womanhood- educated black womanhood, that is. His characters are always the same, but with new names.

In all of his movies, save "Why Did I Get Married," all of the white-collar professional, educated characters are "evil," and the blue-collar, lower middle/working class characters are the church going morality teachers, trying to help 'save' the heathenish educated folks.

It's tired and played. Educated people can, and are, moral, church-going and professional simultaneously. Having and employing morals while being a college educated professional is not an impossibility or contradiction. The two are not mutually exclusive.

And there's always a big woman in a church choir scene. I hate that my relatives subject me to these movies.

As for the comments from an earlier poster about those that don't like his movies should "watch politics and shut up," does this serve as an indictment on those who want to be informed voters like that's a bad thing? Rationalizations like this is why McCain will be elected...

Sent by Jenn McCloud | 10:39 PM | 9-20-2008

Everyone has their right to their opinion, and while I have to respect yours, I found The Family That Prays to be an awesome movie. I was happy to see a serious topic address and I'm sure that a lot of people could relate to the film. I thought it was well done and the cast, perfect. If he keepsw along this track, he'll be even more successful than he already is. Madea and the Browns have their place, and they have a large fan base. I think it's fine that he mixes these types of movies up. However, it was a classic move to show he can have a script so serious without the Browns and Madea, and still draw the crowds he has. Tyler Perry is brilliant and if anyone hasn't taken the time to read his article in Ebony, I suggest you pick it up to see how this Gentleman overcame so much hardship, and escalated himself to the man he is today.

Sent by Noni Girl | 8:26 PM | 9-21-2008

This man is a "Gentle"man. He has been through some things & writes to tell of it. This may help someone else. We overcome by the word of our testamony (sp) & by hearing someone else's. He If he continues to let the Lord use him, he will go high. He is & has earned his wings. I'm looking for more from Tyler Perry. Against ALL odds!!!!!! Go foward young man!!!! Take your text!!!

Sent by simplytheBok | 8:31 AM | 9-23-2008

I think he is a very creative person, and I am happy for his success. However, I am more interested in his personal life success, rags to riches story than any of his movies. I have on seen two and both once they came on the movie channel I have on cable. Hopefully, he is on his way to more enduring drama, with more meaningful detail to his story lines.

Sent by Diamond | 10:35 PM | 9-23-2008

Ignoring the obvious blunder on the part of the blogger who savagely criticized a film anthology in which he has not fully experienced. I find it incredibly sad that a writer would be trashed on the basis of assumed and not to mention, wrong, plot summaries and characters. Which leave me questioning the blogger's skewed and irrelevant insults on the writer. It sounds more like the blogger has seen a film or two, not entirely Tyler Perry's works, and has now decided the future fate and works of the writer, how irresponsible on the blogger's part. With the lack of references to the actual material at hand it leaves, the blogger, Mr. Richardson, sounding like a bitter and uninformed "curator of black culture" who is out to fill a personal vendetta against a talented writer. By the way "subpar production values" translates into does not waste millions of dollars on meaningless and repetitive production schemes. He should have been called innovative. However, with more research I am sure that the blogger would come to respect Tyler Perry's work.

Sent by Robert Street | 8:11 PM | 9-25-2008