You guys know I run hot and cold when it comes to Tyler Perry. He's put out some pretty decent stuff, put out some lousy half-assed stuff, and he's put out some sh*t so bad that Al Jolson can't even bear watching, all in one year, which is quite a coup if you think about it.
Perry's a pretty polarizing character. Some folks applaud his most "positive" portrayals of blacks, and his insistence on employing black actors and actresses whom Hollywood doesn't usually give a fair shake. Others think his chittlin' circuit plays, movies, and TV show are low level pandering that would be protested if produced and directed by a white man.
I'm guessing both camps will have some fuel to add to the fire when Perry's next movie drops.
Little Rudy from "The Cosby Show" all grown up and playing a hooker? Yes indeed, thanks to Tyler Perry.Damn, Rudy as a hooker? What Would Cosby Think?
Keshia Knight Pulliam will star as an imprisoned prostitute in "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." Derek Luke also stars in the Lionsgate comedy, which is set to begin filming in Atlanta next month for a tentative early 2009 release.
Writer-director Perry returns to the front of the camera as the irrepressible matriarch Madea, whose penchant for trouble-making lands her behind bars. She comes to the rescue of Candy (Pulliam), a fellow inmate preyed upon by a large woman. Luke will play an attorney who has a past with Candy.
I've recently supported many of Perry's better efforts, but I think I'll be taking a rain check/barbershop matinee for this one.
Question: What is your initial impression of Madea Goes To Jail? What is your overall impression of Tyler Perry?
Bonus: video from the stage version of Madea Goes To Jail. Man, this one has UPN written all over it.
Cosby daughter hooks up with "Madea" comedy [AP]
Average Email
Average FAQ
Average Bio
AB @ AOL BlackVoices
AB @ NPR
AB @ WashingtonPost
Posts
5 AverageComments™:
I think a better question would would be "what is our impression of ourselves"?
I don't think white women worried about their reputation when Julia Roberts did "Pretty Woman". It is just viewed as acting, but for us it's viewed as a detriment to the race. I can't stand most of those movies that Adam Sandler makes, yet they are very popular among whites and blacks. I'm sure Adam is never thought of as a detriment to his race. I don't like some of Jim Carrey's comedic movies, but he's considered a comic genius. So, should we hold our folks to a different standard? We hold them to a different standard because we know that in the eyes of whites, one bad black means that all blacks are bad. It means that whites impressions of us come from the media, so because a black person is acting stupid on television, it means that everyday regular black people are stupid. That's what the issue is. If that one issue did not exists, this type of thing would be a non-issue.
Why is the white opinion the right opinion? Sorta of like, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. The hand that owns everything has the say.
I have paid to see one of Tyler Perry's movie's, Madea's Family Reunion. I saw a "Diary of a Mad Black Woman on television. I don't own any of the DVDs or any of the beautyshop copies. I was OK with both movies. I agree that some of his antics are over the top. Apparently, that's what the people want. I think Tyler gives the people what they want.
I think that we complain about quality television shows and movies, but don't support them. City of Angels was an excellent television show, but we didn't support it. I think Antwone Fisher was a great movie dealing with the importance of family in our lives. Those are not the kinds of shows that folks are salivating for. Another great family show is Lincoln Heights. It runs on the ABC Family channel. Although it has run for this season. It's a really great show which deals with real life issues.
Just my take.
-faye
Tyler's plays are actually his best works. They were truly inspired (he was broke and desperate for success).
His films are lazy and average at best. I wish he would put more of an intelligent male voice in his stuff. But ususally the dudes usually end up getting half naked, so the women can slobber. I'm still waiting for him to put a hot babe onscreen in a thong. It's only fair.
As for Pulliam, it could have been worse: She could have been Jaimee Foxworth from the show "Family Matters." Jaimee did actual hardcore porn under the pseudonym 'Crave'.
Look it up.
EG
Man, I whole-heartily agree with you on Tyler Perry. God forbid I say anything bad about his movies; my sister/cousins come down on me like a ton of bricks! There all the same movie! Just stick the 1) no account black man, 2) fine suffering woman and 3)Madea of your choice and Damn! You gotta movie! And DON'T EVEN get me started on House of Payne! Where's Living Single when you need it?:)
I saw "Madea Goes To Jail" as a play when Tyler Perry brought the production to South Florida. My verdit - excellent! But sometimes when his plays transfer to movies; there are a few things missing (save for Diary of a Mad Black Woman).
About Rudy in the new film as a prostitute? No problem, it's a character! Besides, she played a pretty loose girl in "Beauty Shop;" so this isn't exactly a stretch.
Is this the black version of Julie Andrews taking her top off in a movie once?
Mary Poppins was never the same after that...
Post a Comment