Diário de uma Louca

I must say that I've been following Tyler Perry's career for years now and he's finally brought his story to 1500 movie theaters for everyone to get a glimpse of his beloved character Madea. For those who have never heard of him or the infamous Madea, you'll have your turn today.

Kimberly Elise's role was presented with such a regal, dignified demeanor. Although she was distraught and destitute, she still kept up her appearances of having and keeping it together, making way for a positive new life while finding herself and new love.

Steve Harris's role made it easy for you to harbor hatred towards him. Tyler Perry couldn't have picked a better actor to portray such a wicked character. What I also loved is that you eventually grew a tolerance and understanding of his role as well and learned to forgive him, then yourself, as Ms. Elise's role learned to do.

If you'd like to catch up on Tyler Perry's character Madea, please purchase the plays that are provided via DVD and VHS. All of them are a definite treat. It will definitely help you to understand the phenomenon!

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...

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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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.

I saw the movie on opening day and I have seen all of Tyler Perrys' plays and I think he is awesome. The movie was great. I thought I would be disappointed but i was not. I pray Tyler Perry continues to do well in everything he does. The actors and actresses did well in the parts that they portrayed. I enjoyed Shemar Moore in the movie and it was good to see a veteran, Cicely Tyson. Tyler Perry is a great asset to the African American communities all over. He is truly a blessing and I want to offer my congratulations to him and all the talented people that he works with . -Barbara Williams- Thank you. To all who have not seen the movie yet, please go and see it.