When Tyler Perry’s stage plays were released and shown at our Merriam Theater in Philly, seemly many people flocked to see his stage plays. I note that all of his plays attracted predominately African American audiences. His themes always consisted of broken relationships, family values, the church, and religion. His stage plays are comedies that also dealt with the above issues based on the black experience.
I often saw previews of his plays on TV but for some reason they never interested me. I guess it was because the sight of a black man dressed as a large woman, and assimilating himself as a fussy black woman was a turn off along with the strange costuming. So I could not tell you what I thought of his stage plays because I never saw them. However, the reviews of his plays always scored fairly well. He’s done such plays as ’’I Know I’ve Been Changed’’ ’’I Can Do Bad All By Myself’’ ’’Madea’s Class Reunion’’ (2002-2003) and ’’Diary of a Mad Black Woman.’’
I had heard so much about the cinematic version of“ ’’Diary of a Mad Black” Woman’’ and its smash success at the box office. It tied in at number one beating Will Smith’s “Hitch.” This movie then peaked my interest. After watching this delightful comedy I must say I loved it. I love what Tyler Perry does with this movie, his lead roles as a lawyer, a feisty old man, and the story’s lead and most noted character Madea. His portrayal of these multiple characters brings a unique sense of laughter, and seriousness to each character he plays.
’’Diary of a Mad Black Woman’’ is a wonderful movie because of its heartfelt focus on family, broken relationships, marriage, bonding, the church, sensitivity, and religion. In this movie Tyler Perry brings on a bunch delightful surprises. There are appearances by actors Cicely Tyson who brings a graceful touch of warmth. And TV’s most famous judge and authority on marriage, and divorce, Judge, Mablean Ephriam. ’’Diary of Mad Black Woman’’ is based on Tyler Perry’s stage play it was released on February 28, 2005. Tyler Perry wrote, and produced this movie. It is directed by Darren Grant. The running time for this movie is 2:00.
In this movie Kimberly Elise (Set it off) portrays Helen, the housewife of a wealthy and powerful attorney, (Steve Harris, The Practice) she becomes the center of attention when she realizes her husband doesn’t love her. His love for her only extends itself for audiences, and appearance sake. This marriage is a sad one because Helen loves her husband deeply and tries very hard to maintain her life with him. She finds out that he no longer wants her when he throws her out of the house, forcing her to take her belongings with her. He also tells her he has a mistress and they have two sons. This mean-spirited spouse has placed his wife’s mother in a nursing home, and forced her to sign a prenuptial agreement. Helen, the poorly treated spouse seeks support from her grandmother, Madea an ornery, and fussy, jolly woman who brings this movie to its height of comedy.
Madea and Helen decide they will pay her mean-spirited husband a visit, a visit that will send the viewer to moments of laughter. Later this wealthy attorney is faced with two deadly problems from his wife, and a dangerous client. Meanwhile, Helen meets and falls in love with the man who moved her things out of her home. I stop here you must see this movie. While this movie deals with the above issues from the black experience; I believe everyone will appreciate this movie because of its strong religious message of Christ being the answer to life’s most difficult problems.
Overall, there are many, many, enjoyable moments of comedy and drama in this movie. It’s a heartfelt movie that touches the core of the human spirit, and it’s very entertaining along with a wonderful cast. Tyler Perry does wonders with this movie; this newcomer took a giant step with his first movie debut, and succeeded with a great script, and a successful shot at acting in multiple lead roles. Most importantly, he keeps this movie clean there is no profanity , or derogatory language. Perry doesn’t even say the word a.. he implies it. Perry’s genuine acting exceeds Eddy Murphy’s multiple roles in ’’The Nutty Professor’’; Tyler does exceptionally well in his multiple roles. I expect to see more cinematic versions of Tyler Perry’s stage plays on the big screen. I will certainly pay close attention to Tyler Perry’s work. This movie scores 5 stars it’s excellent.