Peeples

Not your typical family from the Hamptons, and not a typical movie brought to you from Tyler Perry; but this 2013 comedy/romance was just what the doctor ordered. Written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism who brought us Drumline, ATL and Nappily Every After brings to us a comedy, and a pretty good one at that.

David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, Tyler James Williams, Kerry Washington, Kali Hawk, and Craig Robinson among others brought this quirky family to life. Laugh after giggle this movie delivered on the jokes. It was not the best comedy I’ve seen in a  long time but it was entertaining to say the least. Although nominated for 6 awards, with a budget of $15 million USD the film only made 9 million USD at the box-office.

Predictable story but positive message, it’s a cute movie the whole family can enjoy! 

Temptation

I’d admit I was never a huge fan of Tyler Perry movies, but I was always a fan of the man Tyler Perry himself. He came from nothing to a notable and successful film-maker; I think anyone who endures through struggles and finally gains success at their dreams is worth admiring. I found his prior movies entertaining but pretty much the same strain; however this 2013 Drama rang quite different and it’s message was a wonderful story told in modern-day circumstances.

The name speaks for itself; and the audience could pretty much predict the sequence of events as they unfolded. Lust, betrayal and a mistake found out a little too late. The ending though had viewers wide-eyed and grieve-stricken. The story was simple yet solid and beautifully told. Candice Coke, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Vanessa Williams, Brandy Norwood, Lance Gross, Ella Joyce, Robbie Jones, Renee Taylor and the forever talked about Kim Kardashian all came together to bring this tale to life.

This film had one win and 5 nominations that year and I must say my favourite Tyler Perry film to date. Madea surprisingly did not make an appearance and thank-fully so; it was beautifully shot, with smooth transitions, charismatic and moving acting and an excellent message. Makes for a good night of racing hearts and lovely heightened anticipation. 

Good Deeds

If Wesley Deeds played by Tyler Perry had the problem of being predictable; well maybe Tyler Perry should have also took heed to his character’s faults. This film was certainly not one of his better films and predictable to the max! When we look at Tyler Perry films we expect to laugh and learn a lesson. This film had many lessons, but half-way in turned into a Mills and Boon gag-fest. I would say that Perry aimed to be serious in this film; but couldn't be taken seriously as he came across as a clueless and banal character.

This 2012 film written and directed by Tyler Perry was jam-packed with many amazing and talented stars like dimpled and suave Gabrielle Union, up-beat and ever-brilliant Thandie Newton, dramatic and handsome Brian White, and Mrs. Huxtable, Physcilia Rashad but it lacked a believable story-line. There was a lot of drama and surprisingly ‘too-much’ romance; even for the un-curably romantics out there; as it just doesn’t make sense leaving on your lunch-break on a motorcycle and driving hours away without a care in the world or worrying about getting back on a test-drive; or that Mr. Deeds decides to take his janitor-girlfriend aka Cinderella first class with him to travel around the world; or perhaps it could simply be that his fiancé was absolutely calm about calling off the wedding and becoming his best friend. A cross between ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and 'Cinderella'.

Not the biggest Tyler Perry fan; but I appreciate what he’s trying to do and the long road he took to get there. He’s had better movies; this one unfortunately wasn’t my cup of tea.