Tyler Perry scored big last year with the release of his first feature film, ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman.’ Not only did ‘Diary’ top the box office during its opening weekend, but it also established Perry as the crown prince of the gospel cinema genre.
He turned theaters into sanctuaries.
Perry is hoping to duplicate that success with his latest effort, ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ which opens Feb. 24. Like ‘Diary,’ ‘Madea’ revisits the familiar themes found in Perry’s hugely successful stage plays—redemption and repair, faith and forgiveness.
The most noticeable difference between the two films, however, is Madea’s (played by Perry in drag) transformation from an over-the-top, gun-toting, po-po-bashing matriarch into Florida Evans with a bit more attitude.
To further examine the variations in Perry’s two films, check out our comparison chart below.
‘Diary of Mad Black Woman’Stars:
Tyler Perry,
Kimberly Elise,
Steve Harris,
Shemar Moore,
Cicely Tyson,
Tamara Taylor,
Lisa MarcosSetting: The ATL
Premise: Elise plays the emotionally abused wife of Harris, a prominent and adulterous Atlanta attorney who informs his wife that he wants a divorce on the eve of their 18th wedding anniversary. Broken and broke she’s eventually rescued by a truck driver (Moore), who works overtime to convince her that all men aren’t dogs.
Madea’s Role: Essentially she steps in to make sure Elise gets what she deserves in the divorce settlement and then promptly proceeds to destroy Harris’ possessions with a chain saw.
Turning point: Tyson convincing her daughter (Elise) that forgiveness is the best revenge and the only way to move forward in life.
Pretty boy to the rescue: Moore
Lessons learned: Wealth and power can’t buy you happiness or peace of mind; only the strong survive; and get over yourself, already!
‘Madea's Family Reunion’Stars:
Tyler Perry,
Blair Underwood,
Lynn Whitfield,
Boris Kodjoe,
Henry Simmons,
Lisa Arrindell Anderson,
Rochelle Aytes,
Maya Angelou,
Jenifer Lewis,
Keke Palmer,
Cicely TysonSetting: The ATL
Premise: Rochelle Aytes plays the live-in fiancée of a successful Atlanta businessman (Blair Underwood) who routinely abuses her physically and emotionally. Although her mother (Whitfield) wants her to stay with him so that she can tap into that bank account once they’re married, her sister (Arrindell), who has issues of her own, is like he’s gotta go! The Aytes-Underwood storyline, however, is overshadowed by the blooming love story between Arrindell (who has two kids by different fathers and no longer trusts men) and Kodjoe, a bus-driving brother with a good heart.
Madea’s Role: A much more subdued Madea actually tells Aytes that she needs to work it out on her own. On her way to church, however, Madea does make a point to mention that there’s something hot and tasty cooking on the stove that might help Aytes bring a little closure to her situation.
Turning points: Lengthy sermonettes by Angelou and Tyson encouraging family members to put their faith in God’s word and not man’s.
Pretty boy to the rescue: Kodjoe
Lessons learned: Wealth and power can’t buy you happiness or peace of mind; only the strong survive; and get over yourself, already!
BV Reviews