Madea, grand-mère justicière

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.

If you're looking for full on Tyler Perry comedy, don't watch this one. Every time I watch this movie, I laugh and I cry. I've known women who've been cheated on, and it changed them from sweet and happy, to vindictive people who trust no one. I've known families torn apart by drugs and alcohol, and the pain I see in Diary of A Mad Black Woman is dead on. Yep, I know older ladies who carry a pistol in their handbags. Maybe that's why I am so attached to this film. I know these people. DOAMBW is rough on the emotions. The pain is palpable, and we need Madea to break up the hard parts. It's like when you have sickness and death in the family, and you get punchy and silly. You have to laugh to keep from crying. The pretty people in this movie are really beautiful. Who could ever get tired of looking at Kimberly Elise and Shemar Moore? When I hear the voice-over of Kimberly Elise reading the diary entries, it's so realistic. It's the exact things you think when you are falling for someone and trying not. I've read a lot of negative reviews about this movie, but I just don't see the problems. It isn't a documentary after all.

The acting was wooden. The direction seemed nearly non existent, or at the very least seriously flawed. The romantic lead (Shemar whatshisface) is a soap opera actor, chosen for his puppy dog glances, not his acting. Giving the overly melodramatic tone of the flick, he was perfectly cast. If you liked Babershop, any of Spike Lee's movies, Martin Lawrence's movies, Will Smith's movies etc. etc., and had similar expectations of this movie, you will be sorely disappointed. This flick misses on all counts. Really, honestly and truly one of the worst movies I've ever seen!!! This piece of tripe doesn't even deserve a review...

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.