Peeples

Peeples (2013) is a movie that I recently watched on Netflix. The storyline follows a couple that seem perfectly happy. The boyfriend plans to propose to his lady, but she needs to attend a family event...a family her boyfriend has never met. The boyfriend decides to surprise his girlfriend and randomly appear at her family's house. He's about to discover why she's been in no rush to introduce him to her family.

This picture is written and directed by Tina Gordon (Little) and stars Kerry Washington (Scandal), Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine), David Alan Greer (In Living Color), S. Epatha Merkerson (Jacob's Ladder), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) and Melvin Van Peebles (The Shining).

The storyline for this picture isn't overly creative but is well executed with worthwhile characters, circumstances and dialogue. David Alan Greer was over the top but hilarious. Washington and Robinson were fine in their roles. There are some great scenes in this that will give you a good chuckle - the interaction with ex-boyfriends, the "sauna"scene and Meg's song/poetry were hilarious. But there was something missing to make this a masterpiece.

Overall, while the content is hit or miss, there's enough worthwhile scenes to make this worth a watch. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

Tyler Perry Presents Peeples is a bad movie, but it's not a bad movie for a special reason. It's a lame, tired trudge through the kind of cutesy, "look at me" romantic-comedy genre of cinema that almost never feels as if it is trying. Films like these are usually an easy-sell to the public because there simply isn't a whole lot to stomach. Even during the climatic parts of the film does it feel that there isn't a whole lot going on in terms of development and plot progression. These pictures exist to provide audiences members with the kind of ninety-minute material that will not better them in any way, but not make them think too hard or burden them in any way.

If that's what you want, Peeples delivers on a level that pleases. For those seeking more intelligent fare, all I can say is seek on. The film feels like an urban redux of Meet the Parents, this time focusing on the likable but bland Wade Walker (Craig Robinson), a good-intentioned soul who makes a living off of singing songs to kids urging them to use their words and not their bodily fluids (?). He is dating the cute but equally bland Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington), who seems to be light years out of his league. Wade feels upset and unfulfilled that he hasn't been acquainted with Grace's family and decides that, in order to propose to her, he should crash the family's weekend stay in the Hamptons.

The head of the family is the bitter, mean-spirited Virgil Peeples (David Alan Grier), who sees Wade's good-natured but ill-fated attempts at connection and resonance as foolish ways to climb up the ladder of likability. He is more won over by Daphne Peeples (S. Epatha Merkerson), Grace's mother, and "Sy" (Tyler James Williams), their younger son.

What unfolds is a series of predictable and lame antics from a textbook of what a comedy can do to go from mediocre to nearly unwatchable in record time. The cast has all been cheery and capable before, but throw them together with some of the worst writing of the year in terms of realism and tonality and you have an affair that is just incredibly difficult to stay in-tuned with, even if only for ninety-five minutes.

Returning to the point of realism, the film seems to predicate its humor off of the unrealistic way the Peeples' respond to Wade's charm and affection for their daughter. They react in a way that no parent, ever, would respond to their daughter's boyfriend's acts of kindness. Much of this played-out, unrealistic cynicism comes from Grier's Virgil, who is so lowly human and condescending to Wade and his family that his character never comes close to the line of being funny or entertaining.

There's a scene that absolutely slayed me and that involved Wade, Grace, Virgil, and another member of the Peeples' distance family sitting in the living room and talking about what Wade wants to do in his future. After they take turns belittling him and treating his "play it by ear" plans as lunacy, Wade stands up and is about to propose to Grace when Daphne calls for suppertime. Everyone remarks about how excited they are for dinner and leave poor Wade standing alone in the living room, interrupted and with a lesser-ego. If Wade had done that to, say, Virgil, he'd be crucified.

It's that kind of instance we're supposed to regard as funny or entertaining. Maybe my humanity for characters in films has increased since I began reviewing, but it's scenes like that I find inexcusable and implausible. If the family hadn't been so unbelievable, acting like compulsive cults with military precision wearing raincoats at the smallest mention of rain and boasting Timex watches day-in and day-out, that scene alone would've been enough to regard every attempt the film has at emotional resonance or relatability has not only facile but completely unbecoming.

The film was written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism, who is responsible for writing the charismatic film Drumline that featured a young Nick Cannon and unmissable energy. While Tyler Perry's name is featured prominently at the forefront of the film's title, I don't blame him for the turnout. He can only fund money and input so much creative control into such a project. If he had manned the production ship, I would've at least respected earnest attempts at creating drama. Not implausible ones.

If you want a more unconventional film, with real human-interest, ethical issues, complex family relations, and even a romantic subplot try and seek out Jeff Nichols' brilliant Mud as your weekend diversion. It's a truly beautiful picture with themes and a wonderful sense of adventure - the kinds of things cinema was erected off of. Peeples is the cinematic equivalent of flat soda.

NOTE: My video review of Tyler Perry Presents Peeples, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF9o5GqyppQ

Starring: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Tyler James Williams. Directed by: Tina Gordon Chism.

When gilfriend Kerry Washington leaves him to go spend time at a family reunion in Sag Harbor, Craig Robinson follows, intending to propose. But between her federal judge father (David Alan Grier), former rock star mother (S. Epatha Merkerson) and intimidating surroundings, Robinson feels himself outmatched. As he observes, though, he comes to realize that this is less than an ideal family.

It's basically a Black version of MEET THE PARENTS. That said, there are plenty of funny and telling incidents, a fine cast, and event some good photography, even if people seem to think that Sag Harbor is in Connecticut and not on Long Island. Miss Merkerson is very good. After watching her play a tough police captain for more than a decade, I had no idea she could sing.

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug references and adult language, KIDS FIRST! recommends this movie for older teens and adults who are looking for a film that is purely entertaining. 13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B., calls it "a good family comedy." It's about people coming together, and though Brianna admits she can imagine this story really happening, as she put it, this "is not your ordinary family reunion." Here's the rest of her review.

This film has really good comedy and I like it. Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) wants to marry the lovely Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington (Scandal). They attend the Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons where Wade wants to ask Grace for her hand in marriage but everything is not going as he plans.

"Peeples" is a good family comedy. I like the way the two families get together, as this is not your ordinary family reunion. However, I can see this happening. I like the plot and it keeps my interest. The cast does a wonderful acting job and I truly enjoy it. The soundtrack is very entertaining. My favorite character is Chris Walker (Malcolm Barrett), brother of Wade Walker, because he is very funny and does things you would not expect people to do. My favorite scene is when Wade accidentally drinks Grace's mother "shroom juice" and starts hallucinating at the Moby Dick Festival. Then he begins to argue with Judge Peeples because he thinks he is insulting him while he is giving a speech. They start fighting and Wade passes out. This is so hilarious and kept me laughing!

Writer and first-time Director Tina Gordon Chism (Drum Line) and Tyler Perry (Good Deeds, Madea's Witness Protection) present great humor about families coming together. "Peeples" also stars comedian and actor, David Alan Grier who gives us a lot to laugh about.

There are a lot of great lessons and messages in this film. One is to always be open with whatever problems you may have so that you can get help. Another is to always be yourself no matter what people think about you.

"Peeples" is rated PG-13 and I recommend it to ages 13 to adults. Please be aware that it does have some content that is not suitable for younger viewers.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. It's very enjoyable; the cinematography is great and has an exciting climax. It has tons of comedy and keeps me laughing. Laugh with your family and have a great time enjoying "Peeples."

See Brianna's full video review at kidsfirst.org.

I was one of the few who probably expected a bit too much from this film but I wasn't disappointed as many were. The plot for the film wasn't anything to brag about and it's formulaic execution doesn't seem to tired out as the trailer depicts. The main element this movie has going for it are the numerous memorable moments, long after I exited the theater I kept playing all of the outrageously funny scenes in my head and trust me there were many, mostly near the conclusion. A real challenge I will put onto you is trying to find an unlikable character, surprisingly every single character is well rounded and has their own personally attractive "persona." It is at times rather mature, it's uncalled for sometimes and the blend between the maturity and silly antics really work together. Performance wise, Craig Robinson played his role with his every ounce of charisma and David Alan Grier is always entertaining in mostly anything he's involved in. Overall, this is a great and light comedy that is an amazing treat to bring your mother to for Mother's Day.