Diary of a Mad Black Woman

This movie is a great introduction to Tyler Perry and his crazy characters. The characters that appear in the movie are based from stage plays written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry (Mabel "Madea" Simmons). I won't go into great detail about the plot of the movie, but the issues and themes covered touch all races, nationalities, religions, and creeds. Betrayal, forgiveness, trust, and longing for something greater than ourselves are all themes touched on in this movie. I found it very uplifting. Tyler Perry is very funny as Madea, saying the things we wish we could say or do in life's various situations. Kimberly Elise was great as Helen, and although I am not the biggest fan of Shamar Moore, he did a very good job as Orlando.

Darren grant is a cool cucumber. After over 120 Music videos and commercials in just 8 years, the youngish helmer has delivered with "Diary of A Mad Black Woman". This debut director has entered the Hollywood fray on par with any big shooter. As a former Madison Avenue, ad agency creative director, I will admit I am biased because he directed an award- winning commercial for me 2 years ago.

Still, Mr. Grant pulled off the same trick he did with our controversial cinema/TV commercials (which featured a cigarette executive as a lethal "Hitman"): he took a complex, ethnically esoteric subject and simplified it, making it digestible for the masses. Slap me around a little, but I think that's what a good Director should do. The playwright, Tyler Perry has had things cooking for years on the Chittlin' Circuit, bringing his own unique brand of urban theatre to working-class, black America. Mr. Perry came to Hollywood as a pre-packaged star. And Hollywood has acknowledged his presence in grand fashion.

The rather surreal Madea character is more than just a man-in-drag; it is Perry's vessel of choice. Via Madea, he can impart a spiritual gospel that reflects his experience growing up in the black church. He can also channel his insights on politics and perhaps give a few pointers to wayward minorities who feel they are up against it. The rest of the characters in DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN: Helen, Charles, Orlando, Debrah, Brenda, Tiffany and Myrtle – not to mention, Brian, Madea and Joe – all played by Tyler Perry, serve to hone Mr. Perry's particular brand of cultural propaganda. To wit, love it or hate it, there is a well- defined black American subculture that cannot be ignored.

DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN is indeed complex. Whereas Robin Williams in "Mrs. Doubtfire" was, deliberately in drag as a scheming septuagenarian and as was Martin Lawrence in the "Big Momma's House" – Tyler Perry's Madea is a REAL woman! He's also Madea's dirty-old-man of a brother and takes off the makeup to play handsome young attorney. Tyler is almost on par with Eddie Murphy as he bandies about in multiple roles. Again, credit Darren Grant's deft understanding of the characters' interaction. The only criticism here is that Tyler Perry is actually a more convincing actor when he is talking to himself(s)!

Kimberly Elise is a true A-list acting talent. If Madea is comic relief, Elise's Helen fulfills the dramaturgy aspect of the film. She admirably holds her own with screen legend, Cicely Tyson as her mother. Steve Harris is menacingly effective as an Ike Turner-esque, booji Atlanta attorney who emotionally terrorizes his wife and associates. Shemar Moore gives a breakout performance that is sure to take him to the next level in Hollywood. Watch as he is next transformed into a mainstream matinée idol …

What's most important about this film is how it OWNS the right to speak of an ethnic genre. Darren Grant and Tyler Perry have cleverly positioned themselves as experts on American black culture. And how there are thousands of similar stories yet untold. Look for this director to, perhaps, do what Spike Lee intended; what Carl Franklin suggested; and what the Van Peebles' aspired to do: become the definitive, fresh, new voice in Black American film.

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What a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. I must admit that the movie's opening scenes had me wondering if I'd come to the wrong movie, but by the movie's end I was in tears. This movie was simply written and the emotional overtones were brilliant. Kimberly Elise is Hollywood royalty. Her acting was so powerful and next to Shemar Moore I enjoyed the chemistry (It was awkward for me at first, but they worked it..) Steve Harris stretched out in this role. We've grown accustomed to seeing him as the Lawyer in the Practice. I don't think I'll ever look at him the same again after this movie. Excellent work. For anyone who has ever had their hearts ripped apart by love should see this movie.

I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed. Tyler Perry is brilliant.

Its February 14, 2005 (Valentine's Day) and tonight was a special Screening of Diary of a Mad Black Woman at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta. Tyler was there along with Kimberly Elise, Shemar Moore, Dallas Austin, and many other celebrities. The theater was packed. I have to say this movie is Excellent. It had just the right mix of Comedy, Romance, and Drama. Nothing was overkill about this movie. Even Madea and her antics did not go overboard. Although Tyler's plays are great, this movie is on another level. The messages are clearly and positively conveyed from beginning to end. I give it Two Thumbs Up!!! If the African American community doesn't support this movie, it will certainly be a travesty.

My husband and I went to see "Diary of a mad black woman" today. The clerk said he had made a mistake and gave us one ticket for "Diary of a mad black woman" and one ticket for "Constantine". I remember this tactic was tried on other movies to keep down the box office receipts. Has this happened to anyone else? I went to the Regal Entertainment group theater "Cielo Vista 18" on March 7 at 2:35 pm. The movie was fantastic. I loved the movie and will buy the DVD so that I can watch it over and over again. I loved the depiction of real love between black American men and women that seems to be lacking in most movies of today.