quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Speaking on the fine brothers in the movie...
Wasn't Jill Scott's movie hubby FUH-INE!
And Michael Jai White was FUH-INE, too!

I don't know if you like boxing movies, Yemaya. But Michael did an independent film not long ago.


http://imdb.com/title/tt0443676/

Okay ... I can give you "OK" for Poetic Justice ... only because it has probably been her best performance ever!

And, I think name recognition might have had something to do with it (although his name is pretty popular in itself) but also ... as I alluded to before, I'm thinking Tyler just wanted to give a non-working 'actress' a job! I wouldn't be surprised if he put out a casting call ... and she answered it ... and it was mutually beneficial to both parties.

Personally I would have preferred to see Nia Long rather than Janet.

Thanks for the link on the indie flick, Dissident. Honestly, Janet's acting was very lackluster and uninspiring. I enjoyed the movie because there were a bunch of black folks there interacting with the film. That always makes movies like that better. The right audience!

Absolutely, Yemaya. It was a nice atmosphere and a good date movie - a change from the usually B list garbage put out by major Hollywood production studios. Also, if you want to support good quality Black cinema that is owned and operated by Black people, check out CodeBlack Entertainment.

http://www.codeblackentertainment.com/Default.aspx

quote:

Originally posted by Huey:

quote:

Originally posted by zodo:

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Tyler Perry racked in $21.5 million this weekend with his movie "Why Did I Get Married". Tyler Perry has had a pretty successful run so far in the movie business. But why don't you hear terms like 'oscar buzz' associated with him? And where is his NAACP awards? I could be wrong on the NAACP thing, but really Tyler
with the help of the black community, especially sisters is kicking some serious butt!

Yup the buzz is it's a good movie and as for the Oscar thingy Blacks only win the Academy Award for playing thugs, hoodlums, ne'er-do-wells, hookers and whores. Denzel has an impressive resume of distinguished roles but yet and still he won the award for playing a murderous crooked cop.

P.S. I'm looking forward to seeing Jill Scott in this movie and the upcoming "#1 Women Detective Agency" where she'll play the role of a female South African (I think)detective. Jill is my cutie----I like a sistah with a little heftiness on dem bones. To this day I don't know what the NAACP's criteria is for giving awards for family-oriented and/or Black relationship movies!

Maybe Tyler Perry's future movies will have "Oscar buzzes," if they become a little more dramatic.

I agree with you zodo to an extent with the Oscars. Not every black Oscar winner played a thuggish role. Sidney Poitier didn't play a thug in "Lillies of the Field." Jamie Foxx won as Ray Charles in "Ray." I know that Ray Charles wasn't a thug nor a ne'er do-well. He was shrewd businessman and gifted legendary singer/musician, and his role was positive.

Denzel wasn't the first guy to win an Oscar for a playing a villain, and he won't be the last. As many corrupt cops are in the LAPD, NYPD, and nationwide, it's way too late and too long to get upset about Denzel winning Best Oscar playing a crooked cop in "Training Day." Even after the stuff that happened with Sean Bell, Louima and Diallo, we can no longer pretend that there's NO corrupt cops in America...white, black or otherwise.

Forest Whitaker won earlier this year playing Idi Amin for "The Last King of Scotland." Idi Amin was a real person. And he was a villain, a dictator. There are as many villains in this world, fictional and real, as there are heroes in this world. And nobody will never appreciate a hero, unless there's a villain around to test him or her.

How can any of us honestly get upset about the roles that we win or get nominated in the Academy Awards, when the number one show watched in black households last year was "Flavor of Love?" If we don't support movies or TV shows that are positive, why should we be surprised that there aren't enough of them on the TV or movie screens, when we barely watch them at all, if ever?

It's just like voting, you can't complain if you don't support/participate.

Huey, there are numerous slices of Black life in the USA we encompass multiple life-styles and multi-anythings. My contention is that the negatives within our community are replayed on screen like a scratched record. Tyler Perry's films are a breath of fresh air. I like most his films like "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Daddie's Little Girls" which are pure family fare. I wish more Black film makers( and Hollywood too) could produce movies like "Finding Forrester", "Drumline" and "Antwone Fisher" .

quote:

Originally posted by zodo:

quote:

Originally posted by Huey:

quote:

Originally posted by zodo:

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Tyler Perry racked in $21.5 million this weekend with his movie "Why Did I Get Married". Tyler Perry has had a pretty successful run so far in the movie business. But why don't you hear terms like 'oscar buzz' associated with him? And where is his NAACP awards? I could be wrong on the NAACP thing, but really Tyler
with the help of the black community, especially sisters is kicking some serious butt!

Yup the buzz is it's a good movie and as for the Oscar thingy Blacks only win the Academy Award for playing thugs, hoodlums, ne'er-do-wells, hookers and whores. Denzel has an impressive resume of distinguished roles but yet and still he won the award for playing a murderous crooked cop.

P.S. I'm looking forward to seeing Jill Scott in this movie and the upcoming "#1 Women Detective Agency" where she'll play the role of a female South African (I think)detective. Jill is my cutie----I like a sistah with a little heftiness on dem bones. To this day I don't know what the NAACP's criteria is for giving awards for family-oriented and/or Black relationship movies!

Maybe Tyler Perry's future movies will have "Oscar buzzes," if they become a little more dramatic.

I agree with you zodo to an extent with the Oscars. Not every black Oscar winner played a thuggish role. Sidney Poitier didn't play a thug in "Lillies of the Field." Jamie Foxx won as Ray Charles in "Ray." I know that Ray Charles wasn't a thug nor a ne'er do-well. He was shrewd businessman and gifted legendary singer/musician, and his role was positive.

Denzel wasn't the first guy to win an Oscar for a playing a villain, and he won't be the last. As many corrupt cops are in the LAPD, NYPD, and nationwide, it's way too late and too long to get upset about Denzel winning Best Oscar playing a crooked cop in "Training Day." Even after the stuff that happened with Sean Bell, Louima and Diallo, we can no longer pretend that there's NO corrupt cops in America...white, black or otherwise.

Forest Whitaker won earlier this year playing Idi Amin for "The Last King of Scotland." Idi Amin was a real person. And he was a villain, a dictator. There are as many villains in this world, fictional and real, as there are heroes in this world. And nobody will never appreciate a hero, unless there's a villain around to test him or her.

How can any of us honestly get upset about the roles that we win or get nominated in the Academy Awards, when the number one show watched in black households last year was "Flavor of Love?" If we don't support movies or TV shows that are positive, why should we be surprised that there aren't enough of them on the TV or movie screens, when we barely watch them at all, if ever?

It's just like voting, you can't complain if you don't support/participate.

Huey, there are numerous slices of Black life in the USA we encompass multiple life-styles and multi-anythings. My contention is that the negatives within our community are replayed on screen like a scratched record. Tyler Perry's films are a breath of fresh air. I like most his films like "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Daddie's Little Girls" which are pure family fare. I wish more Black film makers( and Hollywood too) could produce movies like "Finding Forrester", "Drumline" and "Antwone Fisher" .

Zodo, I'm not disagreeing with you. Granted, the Tyler Perry movies are a breath of fresh air. They're good, but they're not great, not yet. If he can make a movie where there's not a hint of Madea, they can have the potential to have Oscar buzz.

And I'm glad that you added "Antwone Fisher," because that was such a moving film. I dare anyone to see that film and not get a lump in your throat.

I know some black folks that aren't fans of Tyler Perry's films or plays. I'm not a hardcore fan myself, but I'll pick his films over a "Big Momma's House" any day.

quote:

Originally posted by Huey:

quote:

Originally posted by zodo:

quote:

Originally posted by Huey:

quote:

Originally posted by zodo:

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Tyler Perry racked in $21.5 million this weekend with his movie "Why Did I Get Married". Tyler Perry has had a pretty successful run so far in the movie business. But why don't you hear terms like 'oscar buzz' associated with him? And where is his NAACP awards? I could be wrong on the NAACP thing, but really Tyler
with the help of the black community, especially sisters is kicking some serious butt!

Yup the buzz is it's a good movie and as for the Oscar thingy Blacks only win the Academy Award for playing thugs, hoodlums, ne'er-do-wells, hookers and whores. Denzel has an impressive resume of distinguished roles but yet and still he won the award for playing a murderous crooked cop.

P.S. I'm looking forward to seeing Jill Scott in this movie and the upcoming "#1 Women Detective Agency" where she'll play the role of a female South African (I think)detective. Jill is my cutie----I like a sistah with a little heftiness on dem bones. To this day I don't know what the NAACP's criteria is for giving awards for family-oriented and/or Black relationship movies!

Maybe Tyler Perry's future movies will have "Oscar buzzes," if they become a little more dramatic.

I agree with you zodo to an extent with the Oscars. Not every black Oscar winner played a thuggish role. Sidney Poitier didn't play a thug in "Lillies of the Field." Jamie Foxx won as Ray Charles in "Ray." I know that Ray Charles wasn't a thug nor a ne'er do-well. He was shrewd businessman and gifted legendary singer/musician, and his role was positive.

Denzel wasn't the first guy to win an Oscar for a playing a villain, and he won't be the last. As many corrupt cops are in the LAPD, NYPD, and nationwide, it's way too late and too long to get upset about Denzel winning Best Oscar playing a crooked cop in "Training Day." Even after the stuff that happened with Sean Bell, Louima and Diallo, we can no longer pretend that there's NO corrupt cops in America...white, black or otherwise.

Forest Whitaker won earlier this year playing Idi Amin for "The Last King of Scotland." Idi Amin was a real person. And he was a villain, a dictator. There are as many villains in this world, fictional and real, as there are heroes in this world. And nobody will never appreciate a hero, unless there's a villain around to test him or her.

How can any of us honestly get upset about the roles that we win or get nominated in the Academy Awards, when the number one show watched in black households last year was "Flavor of Love?" If we don't support movies or TV shows that are positive, why should we be surprised that there aren't enough of them on the TV or movie screens, when we barely watch them at all, if ever?

It's just like voting, you can't complain if you don't support/participate.

Huey, there are numerous slices of Black life in the USA we encompass multiple life-styles and multi-anythings. My contention is that the negatives within our community are replayed on screen like a scratched record. Tyler Perry's films are a breath of fresh air. I like most his films like "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Daddie's Little Girls" which are pure family fare. I wish more Black film makers( and Hollywood too) could produce movies like "Finding Forrester", "Drumline" and "Antwone Fisher" .

Zodo, I'm not disagreeing with you. Granted, the Tyler Perry movies are a breath of fresh air. They're good, but they're not great, not yet. If he can make a movie where there's not a hint of Madea, they can have the potential to have Oscar buzz.

And I'm glad that you added "Antwone Fisher," because that was such a moving film. I dare anyone to see that film and not get a lump in your throat.

I know some black folks that aren't fans of Tyler Perry's films or plays. I'm not a hardcore fan myself, but I'll pick his films over a "Big Momma's House" any day.

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Tyler Perry has the African-American Christian locked up. Of all of the plays that used to run on the Chitlin' circuit, he had the most successful. But I think that there is also a strong desire in the our community to see movies about ourselves other than comedies.

I'll only say this. I'm part of the African-American Christian circuit and I have serious concerns about the imagery in Tyler Perry films/plays. I've enjoyed the singing in a couple, but can't overlook the stereotypes and lack of genuinely positive roles in the plays. I'd love to see a serious drama about us, some comedies that don't lampoon us, an action film that doesn't criminalize us. There are surely enough of us asking for them to insure a market for them. I won't be seeing Why Did I Get Married after reading a few reviews about the immorality and unfortunate imagery the film conveys, even if there is a redemptive message thrown in down the line. That's just my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by Mothawizdm:

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:
Tyler Perry has the African-American Christian locked up. Of all of the plays that used to run on the Chitlin' circuit, he had the most successful. But I think that there is also a strong desire in the our community to see movies about ourselves other than comedies.

I'll only say this. I'm part of the African-American Christian circuit and I have serious concerns about the imagery in Tyler Perry films/plays. I've enjoyed the singing in a couple, but can't overlook the stereotypes and lack of genuinely positive roles in the plays. I'd love to see a serious drama about us, some comedies that don't lampoon us, an action film that doesn't criminalize us. There are surely enough of us asking for them to insure a market for them. I won't be seeing Why Did I Get Married after reading a few reviews about the immorality and unfortunate imagery the film conveys, even if there is a redemptive message thrown in down the line. That's just my opinion.

Well, I went to the movie and the only thing that I saw were human beings acting like human beings and facing the trials that come up in marriages everyday. Eventually working through those trials. So I don't see where the immorality from the movie comes in to play. Also I am curious about the reviews that discuss the 'immorality and unfortunate imagery' of this film? Please post links or cite the sources for those film reviews. Thanks Motherwizdm.
All and all I thought it was a pretty good film.

quote:

Originally posted by Yemaya:

Well, I went to the movie and the only thing that I saw were human beings acting like human beings and facing the trials that come up in marriages everyday. Eventually working through those trials. So I don't see where the immorality from the movie comes in to play. Also I am curious about the reviews that discuss the 'immorality and unfortunate imagery' of this film?

I thought the film was mind-numbing, vacuous nonsense, but otherwise I totally agree with Yemaya: where was the immorality and negative imagery? That was the only positive thing about it, was that these weren't a bunch of buffoons, thugs, and sambos. Just human beings with good qualities and some frailties that they were trying to work out. Where was the "immorality" being glorified?

quote:

Originally posted by Vox:
I thought the film was mind-numbing, vacuous nonsense, but otherwise I totally agree with Yemaya: where was the immorality and negative imagery? That was the only positive thing about it, was that these weren't a bunch of buffoons, thugs, and sambos. Just human beings with good qualities and some frailties that they were trying to work out. Where was the "immorality" being glorified?

What exactly made the film "mind numbing, vacuous nonsense?"

I got from your earlier post that you don't care for TP's work, but beyond all that, especially in light of your post above, what made this film so bad?

quote:

Originally posted by TruthSeeker:

quote:

Originally posted by Vox:
I thought the film was mind-numbing, vacuous nonsense, but otherwise I totally agree with Yemaya: where was the immorality and negative imagery? That was the only positive thing about it, was that these weren't a bunch of buffoons, thugs, and sambos. Just human beings with good qualities and some frailties that they were trying to work out. Where was the "immorality" being glorified?

What exactly made the film "mind numbing, vacuous nonsense?"

I got from your earlier post that you don't care for TP's work, but beyond all that, especially in light of your post above, what made this film so bad?

I hate to get into it, because I'm sure I'm gonna sound snobbish. But basically, almost everything that happened in that movie seemed designed intentionally to elicit a certain emotional response from a viewer who either lacks interest in exercising some discernment or who doesn't know how to. For example, you saw scenes that were designed to make you go, "Gasp! Oh, that's so terrible! The airline made Jill Scott get off the plane because she's too fat, and her husband stayed on the flight with his girlfriend and told her to drive instead! Oh, goodness, that's so mean of him! Poor Jill! She should leave him and find somebody better! You need to build your self-esteem, girl!" Never mind how absurd the whole scene was, and how absurd it was that she actually did drive.

Scenes with that kind of goofy pandering played out through the whole movie, and on a couple of occasions I noticed a couple of filmic emphasis techniques (I studied a bit of this in college) that led me to believe that it was intent, and not just lack of talent, that led Tyler Perry to do some of this. It was just so transparent and vacuous. I don't expect a lot of agreement from people, but you asked, so I answered.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vox,

____________________________________________________

quote:

Originally posted by Vox:
I hate to get into it, because I'm sure I'm gonna sound snobbish. But basically, almost everything that happened in that movie seemed designed intentionally to elicit a certain emotional response from a viewer who either lacks interest in exercising some discernment or who doesn't know how to. Scenes designed to make you go, "Gasp! Oh, that's so terrible! The airline made Jill Scott get off the plane because she's too fat, and her husband stayed on the flight with his girlfriend and told her to drive instead! Oh, goodness, that's so mean of him! Poor Jill! She should leave him and find somebody better! You need to build your self-esteem, girl!" Never mind how absurd the whole scene was, and how absurd it was that she actually did drive.

Scenes with that kind of goofy pandering played out through the whole movie, and on a couple of occasions I noticed a couple of filmic emphasis techniques (I studied a bit of this in college) that led me to believe that it was intent, and not just lack of talent, that led Tyler Perry to do some of this. It was just so transparent and vacuous. I don't expect a lot of agreement from people, but you asked, so I answered.

At the risk of sounding like a snob too ...


Yes. It sounds like there was intent ... and that Tyler Perry is not lacking in * skill * ...

... but * talent * can do better. In fact, it strives to do better.


Taking my snobbish behind back on out of here.

quote:

Originally posted by Vox:
Scenes with that kind of goofy pandering played out through the whole movie, and on a couple of occasions I noticed a couple of filmic emphasis techniques (I studied a bit of this in college) that led me to believe that it was intent, and not just lack of talent, that led Tyler Perry to do some of this. It was just so transparent and vacuous. I don't expect a lot of agreement from people, but you asked, so I answered.

THANK YOU!

TP is not a newbie to story writing and when I saw that airplane scene, and the subsequent scene with her driving down the highway, praying, mouthing "I'm going to save my marriage..." peering down the highway and over the horizon, I'm saying to myself, "TP, c'mon bruh.. this is about some cheesy shit right here!"

Then I thought about the lack of accountability..and then that is what pisses me the fuck off!!

All of the people in my circle of friends are married, (Except yours truly...the only divorcee) and have been for a long time and THERE. IS. NO. WAY. IN. HELL.. that any of my homeboys (or their wives) would gloss over the cruel treatment of any of the women in my circle of friends like these sorry assed people did!

These are "supposedly" all best friends since college (the transitory period where you form many of your lifelong friendships) and you mean to tell me that ain't nobody got the balls to get in this fools face and MAKE HIM (not suggest) him take his mistress back home???!!!

Pure cheese. Limburger cheese at that!

quote:

Originally posted by Vox:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by TruthSeeker:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Vox:
I
Scenes with that kind of goofy pandering played out through the whole movie, and on a couple of occasions I noticed a couple of filmic emphasis techniques (I studied a bit of this in college) that led me to believe that it was intent, and not just lack of talent, that led Tyler Perry to do some of this. It was just so transparent and vacuous. I don't expect a lot of agreement from people, but you asked, so I answered.

~I agree with you, Vox. Some scenes, like the one on the plane, were a tad over the top and therefore not realistic at all. Fellow citizens aren't quite THAT bad, that NO ONE in the immediate vicinity (the seats in front of, behind, across the aisle) would speak up about the rude policy. SOMEBODY around would have *gasped* just as we in the audience did, I'm sure. I would hope so anyway.

And how about the scene on the train. Waaaaaay over the top! But, I guess there's a method to T.P.'s madness. LOL! Anybody in the watching audience even REMOTELY like that woman in their real lives would HAVE to have been squirming in their collective theatre seats, not to mention hiding their toes! I suppose by being cheesey, he makes sure he doesn't go over anyone's head (like the very impressionable young).

But, aside from being dumbed down like that, I really enjoyed it. I knew I wasn't going to the art house to see an indie film, so I wasn't disappointed. I love his plays, too. He really knows who's watching and I just think that he's very skilled at keeping that in mind when he goes "cheese".

There were LOTS of points made that would make great threads on the Dating Forum!

- Do you tell if you find out that your friends mate is cheating on him/her?

- Men, do any of you find BBW attractive. Are you able to concentrate on their personality?

- Women, do you emasculate your men by using your money
against them?

- Women, do you loudtalk/overtalk your men?

- Men, do you overly criticize your mates flaws? Do you step to others when they do the same to her?

-Women do you ever use sex as a weapon?

-How long have you (men/women) gone without sex in one stretch?

-Do you pray?

-Guys, do you really talk like that when you are together (get up close and personal with each others' business the way that women do with each other)?


-Regarding professional ethics (not to mention being close friends), do you keep secrets that have the potential to cause physical harm?

-If you are friends with a couple, how do you pick which one to be the most loyal to? It's probably guy to guy and girl to girl, right?

etc., etc.... a waterwell of issues! Let me stop! I'm getting carried away! LOL!

I'm wondering if the cheese in TP's films come from attempting to transfer theater, i.e., playwright, techniques [where TP got his start] to the big screen?

Hmmm ... I can see the cheesy thing! But, I think that that's just Tyler's way. His films/plays are very intent on delivering a message .. usally one of the Christian ones, (i.e., "Thou shall not ...whatever"), so I think he goes a little over the top sometimes just to drive the point home. To me, I don't consider that great filmmaking. (I used to feel the same way about Spike Lee movies and would pay to go to one of them with somebody else's money! But, some people probably get something out of movies like that.


@Vox ... And as absurd as it may have seemed that a man would disrespect his wife with his mistress in that manner ... AND ... that a wife would not go that length in that way in order to keep her no-good, disrespecting man and save her marriage .... I'm not so sure that isn't real life for a lot more people than you would imagine!

You'd be surprised what couple will put each other through.