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Madea's Family Reunion (2006) More at IMDbPro »

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136 comments in total

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45 out of 65 people found the following comment useful :-
And What a Family Reunion!, 4 March 2006

Author: Charles Delacroix from United States

This is to me just an amazing, funny, delightful movie.

But first ... to be honest, I wasn't planning on seeing this movie at all. I had (woe be to me) never even heard of Tyler Perry. And the film's title alone sounded ... well ... unappealing at best. The synopsis I'd read suggested yet another movie with a man playing an overweight black woman. That might have been funny once or twice ... in Big Momma's House, and The Nutty Professor ... but surely can't keep carrying so much water as to make yet another movie about this same motif, right?

Well, be that as it may, I noticed that this film had hit the top of the box office when it opened a week ago. And then I read a review this morning by a typically politically correct reviewer who was "dissing" the movie. Now this is a reviewer I've come to rely upon as always panning movies I like and waxing enthusiastic about movies I dislike. So reading this reviewer's badmouthing prompted me to try out this movie ... and I am so glad I did.

I think I can see why high-minded PC reviewers wouldn't like it. It's a "popular" comedy, full of rough, earthy humor, celebrates Black cultural child-rearing values, and unapologetically celebrates God and family. No wonder it's been a hit with the general Black American culture, especially Black Churchgoing culture.

What is it that makes this movie so funny and so deeply heart-warming at the same time?

Well, in some ways, this is something of an old-fashioned morality play. Such has a wonderful tradition in Western Culture ... and in African culture. A resurrection of the Morality Play is fine by me: just a shocker, that's all. I kept thinking, "how are these characters getting away with saying things like that?" As when the leading lady says she's given her life to God and has been celibate and will stay celibate till she's married. How is it possible for something like that to show up in a general release movie in this day and age? Not as a statement to be mocked, but as an expression of genuine faith in God and Chastity? I just shook my head and smiled and enjoyed the sheer frank morality of the movie every time it surfaced ... which was pretty often indeed.

The music was resplendent throughout the movie, but the sound seemed a little problematic at times. The audio was almost echoing, flat, tinny ... sort of like a somewhat bad mono recorder.

The cinematography was fine, but in a way, very old-fashioned ... stylistically similar to the movies from the early days when films were often framed as theater transferred to the screen. Maybe that reflects Tyler Perry's background, I understand as a playwright. But for example, the camera follows the action in a very straightforward, even simple way: head on, straight up, no angle shots, no through shots, no complex dissolves or modern "realistic" camera "jiggling". Maybe this is intentional: the movie is telling a plain, straight story with feeling and humor and no hint of subtlety. If this is what's going on, it's fine by me: because this makes for a very candid, very honest, but never discomforting style. Perry's narrating a Story, Telling us What's Happening. Nuance is not what we're after here. Very basic human themes are painted with strong strokes. So we have a basic cinematography to fit this purpose. Fair enough.

There's an interesting interplay of serious and humorous material at two levels. First, there's some very tight sequencing in which strongly emotional material is followed by strong humor. Some will like this, some not, but it's very much at the core of Madea's character, and the overall character of the movie. Second, "serious" scenes are sometimes interspersed with humorous scenes inserted clearly for no other reason than plain comic relief. I think some might find that a little jarring. Still, it works for me very well. And this kind of thing goes back to Shakespeare at least, so I know it works for others as well.

The acting and characterizations were wonderful. Now again, don't look for subtlety, that's not the nature of the movie. But if it's good, solid performances matching characterizations to characters, this movie has it all. Tyler Perry as Madea and Joe was simply perfect. But the entire cast provided strong, reliable performances. Including a delightful cameo by Maya Angelou.

A few "plot holes" have been alleged. I see what's meant, but frankly, don't agree at all. This is a movie that for the most part is stylized, full of art and artifice, not a "realist" movie in which careful plotting is critical for believability. A movie like this is more like a painting, or a song ... a ballad. A popular folk ballad, full of humor and fun and tears and hugs ... and lightly textured but unapologetic moralizing. This movie is a classic combo of Entertainment and Edification. The final scenes at the farm, and at the wedding, really sum up the movie in both respects, and keeping a scorecard on consistency of details is very out of place, it's directly contradictory to the genre.

Last but not least, I have to say that the figure of Madea ... tying everything together with humor and wisdom ... is a sheer delight. I'm told she'll be back on the silver screen. Good ... I can't wait to make her acquaintance once again some day.

And needless to say I'm going to try to find and watch Diary of a Mad Black Woman as soon as I can find it ... !

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30 out of 37 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent Family Movie, 1 July 2006

Author: mariea32 from Canada

I think it was an excellent movie. It's one of those movies that you have every emotion with. You laugh, you cry, your shocked and angry. I would definitely watch it more than once! Good family movie also. It teaches kids about respect, family about caring, and shows kids right from wrong. It also teaches you about black history and where they came from. There are amazing actors and actresses in the movie!!! To see Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson was awesome. Tyler Perry is amazing as Aunt Madea and once again keeps you laughing! The music selection was great and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. I think it was one of those movies that teach you that anything is possible and that you can be whoever you want to be no matter who tells you different. Seeing a child from the foster care system be turned around from a rough child into a beautiful, caring, loving child shows you as Aunt Madea said all a child needs is love, caring and compassion and to be taught to believe in yourself. The world today is quickly falling apart. Family values are being forgotten and everyone seems to be going their separate ways. The movie teaches you that family is everything; never forget where you come from.

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22 out of 28 people found the following comment useful :-
Madea's Family Reunion More than Drag!, 28 February 2006

Author: threedropsofcaramel from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I noticed on the message boards a lot of criticism about men in drag being done before and that is true, but none of those have been done like this.

Madea's Family Reunion is about family, love, hurt, painful secrets and laughter. It features the infamous, gun-toting tell-it-like-it-is Madea, but this movie introduces a lot of well-rounded characters that are played by some incredible actors. We meet Vanessa the older of the two nieces in the movie. She has two out-of-wedlock children and has moved in with Madea. We also meet her sister Lisa, the younger and meek one who is engaged to a wealthy and violent investment banker named Carlos. To round out this group is Victoria, Lisa and Vanessa's mother, a strong-willed, domineering mother who has a favoritism for Lisa and a troubled past with Vanessa.

Although the movie is titled Madea's Family Reunion, the viewer gets caught up in this dual story of the sisters. One finding what love is, and one finding out what love isn't. The movie boasts powerful issues that are acted out to perfection. Tackling such controversial issues is rarely seen in films today where the movie industry has caught remake and horror fever. What is most compelling is the way Perry tells this story of love and pain, it is without color. Anyone, no matter what race or status can relate to this movie.

I also liked how the movie tackled foster parenting. Madea takes in Nikki, a rough quick little girl who has been passed around in the foster care system. With a little patience, a lot of love and encouragement, we see her metamorphosis into a sweet young lady.

The film also features strong matriarchs, garnering appearances from both Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou. The family reunion scene in the movie is exhilarating and honest. It also gives a very moving speech by Cicely Tyson that defies time.

This is a must-see. A movie that tackles the good and the bad. There is good acting, great story lines, great character development, great music and it will leave you feeling stronger, encouraged and educated on the lessons that life deals us. Don't assume this movie is like the play or is simply about a man in drag. Trust me, it is not. Go and see it, you will be pleasantly surprised and definitely entertained.

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23 out of 30 people found the following comment useful :-
Inspiration to keep on keeping on., 21 September 2006

Author: OldSchool2 from United States

I rented the DVD and watched this movie three times before returning it. I bought the DVD to watch parts of it often enough to keep me keeping on just like Medea does. The show inspired me. I laughed tears. Funny thing was my daughter called and told me to watch it because it reminded her of me, her grandmother, and great-grandmother. It made me so brave that when my 29 year old son (semi-brain damaged drug addict) came through the house popping his mouth off at me I went into "Medea Mode". I jumped back with, "This is my house and I will whoop your butt no matter how old or big you are! I rattled on with I'll catch you asleep and beat the s--- right out of you. And on Medea Mode I rode! Sons and grandkids broke out laughing and going crazy cause NAN was back. Get on out of here boy, I don't want to see your ugly face for awhile." It sure felt good. Medea is my hero. No Tyler Perry is. Thank you. You are writing my life. Whew! Do I have stuff you should hear!

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26 out of 36 people found the following comment useful :-
What's wrong with these reviewers?, 13 July 2006

Author: Jonathan Mahoney from Canada

I think everybody that reviewed this must be white. Haha, it really seems like it, but it's funny because I am white. This movie was awesome in my opinion. I almost didn't watch it because the rating was so low, but I'm so glad I did. It was the most ridiculous movie I have ever seen, in a good way. It HILARIOUS in some parts while in other parts I was almost crying. That's crazy 'cause I'm just a 16 year old dude. I can't wait to show my girlfriend this film, I will definitely get it on DVD. It's been so long since I've seen a movie that's actually made me laugh, like the kind that I would laugh at if I were alone. This was definitely one of them. It's superb the way Tyler Perry was able to script and produce this, addressing very very delicate subjects in a way that somehow managed to be respectful, yet at the same time humorous. At the same time he acted 3 characters and he was really the life of the movie. Blair Underwood (Carlos) really did a good job at being somebody you love to hate, it's hilarious though because he was also the man that got left in his last movie Something New. Overall I was very pleasantly surprised with this film, outstanding performance by all in my opinion.

Great movie!

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15 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-
A movie worth watching!, 5 March 2006

Author: diamond9480 from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Tyler Perry really did his thing in "Madea's Family Reunion". Though it has a strong plot like his last movie and plays this one is definitely different from what you expect. If you are contemplating on seeing this in theaters as to buying it for $10 off the streets or waiting for it to come out on DVD, take your family to see this and I trust you that from the beginning and even during the credits it is definitely worth each minute. It addresses all the issues of family, forgiveness and self respect to give an ending that can leave one in high spirits. After seeing this movie, I am not anticipating to see Perry's next work. And unlike other movies where you say the first is always better than the others to follow, this one definitely did not leave me disappointed and I can personally say is at the same level as Diary of a Mad Woman.

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15 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
A great movie about love, self-worth and family., 3 March 2006

Author: MollyTheWanderer from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Medea's Family Reunion was amazing, it was funny, heart warming and important all at the same time. Of course, people who haven't been exposed to the culture of the movie may not understand it (for instance, Medea discipline's a girl whom she has been charged with after the girl skipped school by hitting her with a belt several times. However she doesn't really hurt the girl and the "beating" is mostly the equivalent of a spanking.). There are three intertwining stories in the movie that tie into each other, two sisters attempting to find their own voices, two love stories (one good the other the epitome of evil) and Medea's endeavor to help her young charge take hold of her life and rise above. All three are tied together within Medea's family (might I note the wonderful speech given by one of the family elders at one point, or the beautiful character Maya Angelou portrays) I loved this movie, and I hope everyone else who sees it will go in with an open mind and a ready heart.

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16 out of 21 people found the following comment useful :-
Madea's Family Reunion was heartwarming and sincere! I loved it!, 5 July 2006

Author: paula-mann from United States

I applaud Tyler Perry for his many talents including writer, producer, director, song-writer. This movie will be included in one of my favorite movies. The issue of domestic violence, rape, bridging gaps, highlighting the importance of our place in society, the important roles that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, play in our lives. Cicely Tyson is an American Icon, along with Dr. Maya Angelou. The breathtaking beautiful actresses, Lisa Arrindel Anderson & Rochelle Aytes, were magnificent in their respective roles. The incomparable, elegant, sophistication and timeless beauty of Lynn Whitfield was sensational to watch. Whitfield is a diamond. She is the female 'Denzel Washington'. It has been said about Ms. Whitfield that her eyes can tell a story. The emotional drama scenes featuring Whitfied and Arrindell Anderson and Whitfield and Blair Underwood were remarkable. No one brings the drama like Lynn Whitfield. She is so beautiful I could watch her all day. Great movie! The wedding scene made you cry. The look on Lisa Arrindell Anderson's face when she is walking down the isle to the song by Johnny Gill was astonishing. It was a beautiful movie with beautiful people and incredible acting. THANK YOU TYLER PERRY!

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34 out of 60 people found the following comment useful :-
The Best Tyler Perry Film Yet, 28 February 2006

Author: (brean_381@yahoo.com) from Mississippi

This film is a brilliant piece of work. Tyler Perry combines all the elements needed to make a very heart warming memorable drama as well as a outrageously funny comedy.

There were a few people who dogged the movie who claimed they were expecting something like Big Momma's House. One person even went as far as to call it "Afro Trash." To these close minded people who obviously lack the ability to enjoy a film such as the one Tyler Perry has made I say go out and rent Mrs. Doubtfire if thats the kind of attitude your gonna have.

Mr. Perry, thank you for making a film that makes people stand up and pay attention. I can't wait for the next one.

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Bloody well done!, 27 December 2007

Author: relichunter96 from South Africa

Being white, South African and predominantly Afrikaans speaking, This film tickled me absolutely pink!

When i saw the trailers, I thought..."Maybe not". But while working one day, I was bored, so I rented this film.

Bloody hell, Madea is a gem and Tyler Perry should be honored by someone for saying the things he said. This is a man, not afraid of saying what he believes and has the "balls" to use his faith in a film. Wake up Hollywood. Maybe this isn't a "Mainstream" film, but I will be watching Perry's films whatever they may be. And whoever reads this and disagrees, That's your choice. My choice is to watch the films that are uplifting, not degrading.

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