The Plot: The story focuses on Helen McCarter (Kimberly Elise), who has seemingly had the perfect life with husband Charles McCarter (Steve Harris). Over the years, Helen has been a faithful and loving wife, while Charles built a successful and lucrative career as a prominent Atlanta attorney. However, on the eve of their 18th wedding anniversary, Helen¹s paradise begins to crumble as Charles announces that he wants a divorce. He abruptly and literally tosses Helen out of the mansion to make room for the other woman. With all of her possessions packed in a moving van, Helen starts on her journey to put the pieces of her life back together. She also finds that the tragic events of her life soon become comic, especially with the guidance and help of her pot-smoking, gun-toting, and much beloved, grandmother figure Madea (Tyler Perry).
It was a good formula. Just let everyone do what they do. Kimberly Elise was the perfect victim. The perfect champion of the "Mad Black Woman". Steve Harris was mean. But I think he proved on The Practice how effectively he could be an angry black man. Shemar Moore is soooooooooo fine. Even with braids (and wack played out bandannas), he still was fine. I think that's all we really require. Cicely Tyson was the strong faithful black woman that she always is. And Tyler Perry as many who have seen his plays can attest is the funniest man in drag since Flip Wilson. The guy sitting next to me described him as a white Mrs. Doubtfire. I don't know if I agree with that. Madea might have been funnier than Euphegenia Doubtfire.
I was never really sure if I was watching a drama or a comedy. As soon as the plot became intense, in would come Perry with some ridiculous over the top comedy bit. I suppose it was a drama with comedic overtones. It was a simple story, not difficult to follow. Mildly predictable and overdone.
There is a new genre of film...gospel. And I think in this genre we have to allow for a little...corn. And the corn was plentiful. Just as thrillers have their audience, and gangster flicks have their audience, gospel audiences will love this movie. The rest of us however, may have a little trouble digesting corn. I don't want to say bad things about a black movie with a good intention. I'll reserve my comments for other bad black movies.
So if you're looking for a recommendation, all I can say is if you like gospel and/or the beautiful Shemar Moore, you will like this movie.
It was a good formula. Just let everyone do what they do. Kimberly Elise was the perfect victim. The perfect champion of the "Mad Black Woman". Steve Harris was mean. But I think he proved on The Practice how effectively he could be an angry black man. Shemar Moore is soooooooooo fine. Even with braids (and wack played out bandannas), he still was fine. I think that's all we really require. Cicely Tyson was the strong faithful black woman that she always is. And Tyler Perry as many who have seen his plays can attest is the funniest man in drag since Flip Wilson. The guy sitting next to me described him as a white Mrs. Doubtfire. I don't know if I agree with that. Madea might have been funnier than Euphegenia Doubtfire.
I was never really sure if I was watching a drama or a comedy. As soon as the plot became intense, in would come Perry with some ridiculous over the top comedy bit. I suppose it was a drama with comedic overtones. It was a simple story, not difficult to follow. Mildly predictable and overdone.
There is a new genre of film...gospel. And I think in this genre we have to allow for a little...corn. And the corn was plentiful. Just as thrillers have their audience, and gangster flicks have their audience, gospel audiences will love this movie. The rest of us however, may have a little trouble digesting corn. I don't want to say bad things about a black movie with a good intention. I'll reserve my comments for other bad black movies.
So if you're looking for a recommendation, all I can say is if you like gospel and/or the beautiful Shemar Moore, you will like this movie.