Peeples

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.