Tyler Perry & Madea Thread

[Wolfman]

Just saw the 'Madea Goes to Jail' DVD last night with my wife. It was hilarious!!!! And we saw the 'Why did I Get Married' DVD video recently also. A lot of people think Tyler Perry's plays and movies are too low brow and stereoptypical; but I have another perspective: his plays and movies speak to struggling people who confront all kinds of dysfunction in their lives and their communities--things we all experience in some way but don't talk about. He gives black people (and others) a place and a space to laugh, cry,meditate and pray about the pains and traumas in life, from a Christian perspective. But it's not a self-righteous, overbearing treatment, but one which is empathetic and challenging, told from the perspective of Madea, the wise, irreverent, caring, loving matriarch. His plays fill the gap between the "street" and the "church" that place where people tend to live double lives or the church is not being real about the struggles of the average person in the community. In this sense, Perry is an "evangelist" and a genius.

[DivineDiva47]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Just saw the 'Madea Goes to Jail' DVD last night with my wife. It was hilarious!!!! And we saw the 'Why did I Get Married' DVD video recently also. A lot of people think Tyler Perry's plays and movies are too low brow and stereoptypical; but I have another perspective: his plays and movies speak to struggling people who confront all kinds of dysfunction in their lives and their communities--things we all experience in some way but don't talk about. He gives black people (and others) a place and a space to laugh, cry,meditate and pray about the pains and traumas in life, from a Christian perspective. But it's not a self-righteous, overbearing treatment, but one which is empathetic and challenging, told from the perspective of Madea, the wise, irreverent, caring, loving matriarch. His plays fill the gap between the "street" and the "church" that place where people tend to live double lives or the church is not being real about the struggles of the average person in the community. In this sense, Perry is an "evangelist" and a genius.

Bruh,

I completely agree with you and your comments on Tyler. God has given him the medium of entertainment to reach his people. Those who would not ordinarily talk about "religious" topics find solace in watching him. Since he is not overbearing in his effort the door is open for all the come in and be entertained...and get to know God as well.

[ladylike]

Originally Posted by DivineDiva47

Bruh,
Since he is not overbearing in his effort the door is open for all the come in and be entertained...and get to know God as well.

I disagree. Much like a Brady Brunch episode, you can always predict when and where the "message of the day" will be delivered in a Tyler Perry movie.

I certainly don't fault him for what he's attempting to do. More power to him.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by ladylike

I disagree. Much like a Brady Brunch episode, you can always predict when and where the "message of the day" will be delivered in a Tyler Perry movie.

I certainly don't fault him for what he's attempting to do. More power to him.

Tyler Perry is not a sophisticated "auteur" but there is a method to his madness. The predictability, to me, is comforting because it speaks of structure and the faithfulness of God and God's ways in life, a contrast from the chaotic stuff ("mess") happening in the lives many of his characters. In my family I have members who are going through similar types of "drama" as in Tyler Perry's plays and, similarly, everyone looks to the matriarch of my family, my elderly aunt who dispenses her wit and empathetic godly wisdom. This is a trope for traditional black Southern families.This is why Perry's themes resonate so deeply for many.

[christiangirl]

The Marriage Counselor was pretty good. Not Tyler's bests work, but I still laughed plenty. I'd get the DVD, (but I hope the next one is better).

[Ten/Four]

Perry's new film will be "The Family That Preys." It stars Kathy Bates & Alfre Woodard.

http://www.blackfilm.com/20080606/fe...hatpreys.shtml