User reviews

'PEEPLES': Three Stars (Out of Five)

Two former TV comedy stars clash in this family relations film produced by Tyler Perry. Craig Robinson (of 'THE OFFICE' fame) and David Alan Grier (of 'IN LIVING COLOR' fame) play a children's song writer and the father of the woman he wants to marry (who takes a disliking to him). Kerry Washington (of 'DJANGO UNCHAINED' fame) plays the woman they're at odds over. The movie is a lot like 'MEET THE PARENTS' (except for the obvious difference of a black cast rather than a white one). It's funny, even though it's not that original in any way. Definitely not a bad film (like reviews and some cinephiles like to make it out to be).

Robinson plays Wade Walker, a man who makes a living writing and performing songs for children (as a sort of therapy). He's been dating his girlfriend Grace Peeples (Washington) for over a year now and she still hasn't introduced him to her family. The weekend Wade plans to propose to Grace she informs him she's going to her family's annual reunion in the Hamptons (for 'Moby Dick Day'). Receiving advice from his friend Malcolm (Chris Walker) Wade decides to show up at the Peeples reunion unannounced in order to ask Grace's father Virgil (Grier) for his daughter's hand in marriage. Things of course don't go as planned as Virgil immediately dislikes and distrusts Wade (and no man has ever been good enough for his daughter).

The film was written and directed by first time feature film director Tina Gordon Chism (who had previously written the 2006 comedy/crime-drama film 'ATL' and the 2002 marching band comedy flick 'DRUMLINE'). When I first saw the film advertised as 'TYLER PERRY PRESENTS PEEPLES' I had no desire to see it. I'm not a fan or Perry's; I think he sucks at drama and is even worse with comedy (I hate his 'Madea' character). I was intrigued by the pairing of Robinson and Grier though and thought it was great that Robinson was starring in his own movie. I think Robinson was great on 'THE OFFICE' and is awesome as part of the Seth Rogen/Judd Apatow team. He's a talented comedic actor and he's great in this as well. Grier is perfectly paired opposite him (as his antagonist) although it's odd to see him playing the grey-haired older fatherly character. I grew up watching him share the screen with the likes of Jim Carrey, Jamie Fox and the Wayans brothers on 'IN LIVING COLOR' and he doesn't seem like he should be that old already. He's not, he's only 58 (57 at the time of filming) and just 16 years older than Robinson. Still he's perfect in the part. The movie is funny, not hilarious or extremely memorable, but it works and it's much better than the negative word of mouth it's gotten.

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I don't think I laughed the whole time. Why was David Alan Grier WASTED in this travesty of a film? I like the storyline and even the actors but this movie just did not work for me at all. I only watched it to the end in hopes that it would get better but it never did. It was pretty predictable and drawn out and then the ending was rushed. I would have loved to give some spoilers but I couldn't think of anything worth telling. Just a sad hot mess of a story. Kerry Washington is not my favorite and in this movie she did not shine at all. There was no chemistry between her and her "boyfriend". She didn't even pretend to like him well. I would not recommend this to anyone.

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.

My first perception was that Peeples would be a dumb movie and a waste of my valuable time.

I'm a fan of the "Meet the Parents" franchise and regularly quote memorable lines from the screenplay ("you can't say bomb on an airplane!... circle of trust… etc.") from the screenplay. So, I thought I'd give Peeples a shot to see how bad it might be.

I WAS WRONG!

This is a funny movie well worth your time!

From the first scene I was smitten with Craig Robinson's charisma and satisfactorily carried the leading role throughout.

The rest of the characters are PERFECTLY CAST, especially the Robert De Niro father character spot-on played by David Alan Grier. He demanded respect and I never doubted he was a Federal judge.

The only flaw of the movie was perhaps some choppy editing and a scene on a boat that only confused and added no value to the movie… should have been left on the cutting room floor.

Warning: It should be rated R instead of PG-13 for mature topics (sexual spankings, lesbian situations, etc.)

Bottom Line: 4/5 stars. Not as memorable as "Meet the Parents" but perhaps consistently funnier from scene to scene; overall more laughs.

Pete (49 year old Caucasian male in North Carolina)

This film is an obvious installment of a black version of meet the parents. That's not where the problem lies however. The humor in this story is often too contrived, and Craig Robinson fails to bring enough endearing qualities to the role of Wade. The character Grace, played by Kerry Washington, is rather simplistic, but I still can't see what she would find attractive in Wade. The Dad Virgil Peeples, had potential to save the story, but the writing, did David Alan Grier an injustice. The character of Virgil, unlike Grace, was too complex. His swagger was demeaned, by his abuse from his own Father portrayed by Melvin Van Peebles. His demons were over loaded by this nudist society, meditation, and sexual affairs. The family was a typical upper class dis functional group of degenerates. I think this movie lost traction from the beginning, and while it had a nice texture, with the scenic-locational footage, the character dynamics were lacking, and the humor was weak.

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.

This review is written primarily for those who are considering whether or not to take their children to see this movie.

I took my 13-year old to see this movie and definitely should have reviewed the content and movie reviews before doing so. I simply saw that it was a Tyler Perry show and PG-13 and assumed we would love it.

Although there are plenty of funny scenes, there are also some they can do without. The scenes with sexual content (both heterosexual & homosexual, and scenes about a 3-some) could have been left out of this movie without impacting the storyline. These scenes clearly aren't appropriate for a PG-13...not sure why it's rated as such.

I highly recommend you leave your children home for this Tyler Perry movie. Hopefully the next one will come out with the correct ratings and with more humor.

Watching Peeples turned out to be a pleasant way to pass time while I'm away from home on an extended business trip. I remember seeing the Peeples trailers on TV and online last year, but I forgot about the movie until I browsed on Netflix. Granted, the movie definitely isn't Oscar material, but it's definitely a fun movie to watch. There have been movies I've viewed that made me regret I wasted my time watching them and left me feeling upset because I couldn't get that 90 or 120 minutes back. Peeples isn't one of those movies. Peeples is a movie that is relaxing to watch. You won't burn too much white matter viewing the movie, but it makes one think about pretentiousness and 'rich people's problems' can be. Don't go in with seriousness when you watch this movie. It's lighthearted with the feathery touches on love, humor, priorities, family, acceptance and life choices. I didn't know Tyler Perry made the movie until I viewed the credits. It didn't make a difference, but it surprised me that he made it. He's definitely changing up his movie- making style or at least adding to it. I enjoyed the movie. I'll watch it again with my family on movie night. It's kind of cute how Kerry Washington claps her hands in happiness in Peeples like she did in Django. David Allen Grier made for a very unlikely patriarch, but he pulled it off nicely due to the nice chemistry with S. Epatha Merkerson and the other cast members who made up the family and his conflicts with Craig Robinson. I liked the entire cast. I hope Tyler Perry makes a Peeples II. He can polish it up a bit for the naysayers or leave it 'as is' for a nice continuation, but I fell in love with the Peeples clan. They truly have room to develop as characters on screen. It would be interesting to see what Tyler Perry comes up with in the sequel. I'm going to buy a ticket to go to the movie theater if he brings the lovable clan back to life in a sequel, though.

I have no idea why people are giving this movie a bad review. It was light, amusing, and very entertaining. Finally a movie in which black people are like the black people I know. Professionals, that all use correct English, that are middle to upper middle class and have their own funny quirks. No the movie wasn't seeking the cheap laughs from portraying African Americans in the typical Hollywood skewed context. None of the black women "went off" or did the whole neck thingy. No one was selling drugs or eating fried chicken or living in the hood.

If you have any experience with African Americans like the ones portrayed here then you will enjoy the movie. If you want every African American movie to follow the stereotypical blue print that it seems directors and production houses insist upon promulgating then you might not. Excellent, smart, well written and completely undeserving of that 3.8 rating.

Went to see this movie with my 15 year old daughter. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. We left about halfway through the movie and got our money back. The subject matter was offensive. I am very disappointed because I usually like Tyler Perry's movies, but this one was terrible. There were many uncomfortable sexual references and topics that were related to gay sex (between women) and one of the stars dresses as a young girl to turn her boyfriend on. There was drug usage. Even the acting was bad. If you like Tyler Perry for his sensitivity and for his comedy, don't go to see this movie. I am not sure how this movie received a PG-13 rating, I would have given this movie an R rating.

"Peeples" is an awkward meet-the-parents-type of comedy, that unfortunately doesn't really stand out in any particular way compared to the many other movies in the same genre that has come and gone over the years.

The story is about Wade (played by Craig Robinson) who travel to pay a surprise visit to his girlfriend Grace Peeples (played by Kerry Washington) while she is visiting her family in the Hamptons. The Peeples seem to have it all, but things are not entirely picture-perfect underneath the surface, and situations boil over as Wade enters the picture.

The situations in the movie are good enough and there is an occasional laugh to be found here and there, but be warned that the movie will not have you laughing constantly throughout the entire length.

As for the people on the cast list, then they had put together a good ensemble of people for the various roles, and each did bring something unique to the movie. And the chemistry between the various characters (and actors) be it for a good or bad situation was working quite well. It was David Alan Grier, who played the father in the movie, who was doing the best performance here and carried most of the movie.

However, I am rating "Peeples" a mere 5 out of 10 stars, because it never stepped out of mediocrity, and truth be told, then there are far better comedies in this particular genre. But still, it is good for a laugh or two if you have nothing better to do.

What kind of judge has a huge estate that rivals anything available in Beverly Hills, CA? Has he got something going on the side? We never know. The premise of the film is thin and moves at break-neck speed, perhaps so viewers won't recognize the story-line is bereft of focus. There's little for the viewer to connect with.

The rookie director just didn't bring out actor-ability or premise texture. You just wanted to grind ahead, hoping something up front would be better than the humorless scenes that passed. Even Tyler Williams (from TV's "Everybody Hates Chris") seemed out of place and overdone. The film really needed the likes of ice Cube to loosen it up and send it on a much more plausible and amusing entertainment trip.

A funny film?? Who says? ~mm

"We're not the chocolate Kennedys." Wade Walker (Robinson) is in love with Grace Peeples (Washington) and is getting ready to propose. Grace leaves for the weekend to visit her family without inviting Wade. After talking to his brother Wade gets up the courage to surprise her at her family's cabin. When he shows up things don't go as planned and he begins to question if this is a family he wants to be a part of. First off I have to say I'm not racist. That said if Tyler Perry's name is on a movie I tend to avoid it. Even though this is just a "Tyler Perry Presents" it was enough to lower my expectations. I'm not sure if it was the low expectations or not but I ended up really enjoying this and laughing the whole way through. Robinson is very funny and David Allen Grier has some really funny scenes in this. It's a good thing the comedy was there though because the movie is so generic and overdone that the laughs are the only thing that made it interesting. After 5 minutes you can pretty much tell exactly what is going to happen. Overall, a funny movie that was much, much better then I was expecting. I surprisingly give it a B+.

I finally stopped passing this movie and tried to watch it, 10 minutes in I wished I still passed it!

Craig Robinson is one of the worst looking and acting "actors" on this planet! No matter WHAT his role is ,he plays the SAME character, LOST!

To place him in ANY romantic role is useless, but with a beautiful lady like Kerry Washington it is just plain sad! David Alan Grier also does not sell as a Judge!

It was not great but when it comes to being entertaining... it had moments and was a light hearted movie. Although it had stupid parts I was not mad at it. If you don't have super high expectations you will enjoy it. Craig is pretty funny and so are the other actors when the script gave them a line they delivered.

Being professionals ourselves. We love this movie. We watched it so much on DVD it broke and had to buy another one. I love the way it was made. Great movie.

First this is not a Tyler Perry Movie. Every movie that has a black cast is not Tyler Perry! He is not the only one that makes movie with Moors in them. This movie was good and I love the fact that it is not like most and making moors look stupid. This is something that could happen in anyone's life. But because their is no soft shoeing some of you don't like it. You probably think. I like this movie and the cast is classic and smart. Sorry they could not dumb it down for you all. You are saying Tyler Perry can so better than this but all his movies make moors look stupid and that is why you don't like this. Sorry there are more educated moors than you think and I think the educated ones will enjoy a movie like this. For those that don't i'm sure Tyler has some Tom foolery coming soon. If you did not like this you probably never watched The Cosby Show. Educated Moors to boring for dumb people. Race should never be an issue but Welcome to America where it does. I enjoyed the movie.

Tyler Perry Presents Peeples

When meeting your girlfriend's family for the first time, it's important to establish dominance early by shanking the patriarch.

Unfortunately, the bewildered beau in this comedy didn't stab the dad.

Slighted that his girlfriend Grace (Kerry Washington) didn't invite him up to the Hamptons for her family reunion, Wade (Craig Robinson) surprises her by showing up.

Welcomed by her mother (Diahann Carroll), a former singer, Grace's sister (Kali Hawk), a secret lesbian, and her brother (Tyler James Williams), a wannabe rock star, Wade's only holdout is her father (David Alan Grier).

What's worse, everything he does to impress Mr. Peeples ends up an unmitigated disaster.

A blatant and woefully unfunny rip-off of Meet the Parents, Peeples is perforated with Tyler Perry's brand of dime store family psychology and preachy principles.

Besides, if your girlfriend can afford the Hamptons, the real family member you have to win over is the nanny.

Red Light

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