My Take on the Movies - MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION
I caught Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) on the first day of its release. I was initially reluctant because I do not care for the “preachy” nature of Perry’s films, nor do I care for their rowdy humor and their predictability. Having said that, I must admit that there was less of each than I had expected.
The film was written and directed by Tyler Perry, and once again, Perry plays the roles of Madea, her brother Joe, and her grandson Brian. As always, Madea attempts to solve the many problems of her offspring, and of her other family members.
Madea’s granddaughter Lisa (Rochelle Aytes of White Chicks - 2004) is engaged to a successful investment banker (Blair Underwood). Unfortunately, Lisa is not as ecstatic over the engagement as is her mom, Victoria (Lynn Whitfield). Lisa’s sister Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell of A Lesson Before Dying - 1999) also does not appear very content, and here is where the predictable part comes in. Frankie (Boris Kodjoe of The Gospel - 2005) shows an intense interest in her, and one thing leads to another, naturally.
The story unfolds in Atlanta, where the weather and the scenery are always gorgeous. The same can be said for the women, and the men. The most beautiful part of the movie, however, is the seamless meshing of music and poetry. Several of the original songs are written by Perry, and they are performed to perfection by artists such as Johnny Gill. Maya Angelou appears as one of Madea’s relatives, and recites a moving poem of her own.
The film deals with such issues as abuse, molestation, and embezzlement, but none of the issues is actually resolved in a satisfactory way. There is quite a bit of violence, and given that it is often combined with hilarity, one can only hope that children do not take from it that violence is acceptable.
At the reunion where all manner of vices are in evidence, the family matriarch asks the question, “Is this what we have paid for?” The response is the obligatory (but movingly delivered) lecture on our collective history and the current state of our youth and our family values. One could almost say that this is the entire point of the film.
Visible roles in the movie are played by Cicely Tyson, Mablean Ephriam (Divorce Court), Keke Palmer (Barbershop 2 - 2004), Jenifer Lewis (The Cookout - 2004), Tangi Miller (Too Legit - 2001), and Henry Simmons (Something New - 2006). The performances are all quite adequate; nothing greater seems to be required in the circumstances.
Although this is not my favorite genre of film, I do recommend that you go and see it. I can guarantee you that most everyone you know will!
[© 02/24/2006] By: A. L. “Toni” Anderson
The film was written and directed by Tyler Perry, and once again, Perry plays the roles of Madea, her brother Joe, and her grandson Brian. As always, Madea attempts to solve the many problems of her offspring, and of her other family members.
Madea’s granddaughter Lisa (Rochelle Aytes of White Chicks - 2004) is engaged to a successful investment banker (Blair Underwood). Unfortunately, Lisa is not as ecstatic over the engagement as is her mom, Victoria (Lynn Whitfield). Lisa’s sister Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell of A Lesson Before Dying - 1999) also does not appear very content, and here is where the predictable part comes in. Frankie (Boris Kodjoe of The Gospel - 2005) shows an intense interest in her, and one thing leads to another, naturally.
The story unfolds in Atlanta, where the weather and the scenery are always gorgeous. The same can be said for the women, and the men. The most beautiful part of the movie, however, is the seamless meshing of music and poetry. Several of the original songs are written by Perry, and they are performed to perfection by artists such as Johnny Gill. Maya Angelou appears as one of Madea’s relatives, and recites a moving poem of her own.
The film deals with such issues as abuse, molestation, and embezzlement, but none of the issues is actually resolved in a satisfactory way. There is quite a bit of violence, and given that it is often combined with hilarity, one can only hope that children do not take from it that violence is acceptable.
At the reunion where all manner of vices are in evidence, the family matriarch asks the question, “Is this what we have paid for?” The response is the obligatory (but movingly delivered) lecture on our collective history and the current state of our youth and our family values. One could almost say that this is the entire point of the film.
Visible roles in the movie are played by Cicely Tyson, Mablean Ephriam (Divorce Court), Keke Palmer (Barbershop 2 - 2004), Jenifer Lewis (The Cookout - 2004), Tangi Miller (Too Legit - 2001), and Henry Simmons (Something New - 2006). The performances are all quite adequate; nothing greater seems to be required in the circumstances.
Although this is not my favorite genre of film, I do recommend that you go and see it. I can guarantee you that most everyone you know will!
[© 02/24/2006] By: A. L. “Toni” Anderson
posted by A. L. "Toni" Anderson at 12:51 AM
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