My thoughts on Tyler Perry's blockbuster!

Over the weekend, I went to the movies with my church's Singles Ministry to see Tyler Perry's, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman."  I have to admit I wondered, initially, whether I would even like this movie, especially since the lead character was a man dressed up as a woman. And, how ironic was my nephew's response when I told him that I was going to see this particular movie with my Singles Ministry.  Can you believe this 18 year old laughed and said that going to the movies to see "Diary of a Mad Black Women" ("MaDear" as he called it) didn't seem appropriate for a Singles Ministry?

But in reality, it was extremely appropriate for a Singles Ministry!  Not only was the movie well written and funny (I mean extremely funny), but it touched on many of the issues that single or recently single men and women face in their efforts to live Godly!  In fact, many of the scenes in the movie had a ministering effect.  Now, I know what you are thinking.  You have proberly heard all of the negative reviews by the critics and you are wondering just like they are how this so-called "bad" movie became a weekend blockbuster reaching #1 in the movie ratings last week and coasting quite confidently at #4 as I write this article.

I could revert to one of the slogans that was so popular during my college days, "It's a Black thang, You Wouldn't Understand!"  But, some of you (Black included) might not even understand that slogan.  So, let's take a minute to consider why Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Women" is such a phenomenal success. O.k.?

Let's see...maybe it was the incredible acting of Kimberly Elise, Cicely Tyson, Steve Harris, and Shemar Moore...or perhaps it is the fact that Hollywood continues to ignore and devalue African American produced and directed films...or maybe the story is one that many African American families low-income and middle-class can understand.....maybe, just maybe it is a story that although indirectly underscores, regardless of whether you agree or disagree, some sensitive issues (homosexuality, tension between families members who leave the ghetto for loftier lifestyles and considered "bougie," drug addiction v.s. recreational drug use, domestic violence, adultry, etc.)...maybe it is a story line that mirrors the lives of African Americans throughout this country who face these and other sensitive issues on a daily basis...or maybe what people appreciated in the story was that it realistically portrayed contrasts  - a bad lawyer and a good lawyer, a bad husband and a good husband, a bad wife wannabe and a good wife...or maybe what people really loved most about this story was that it showed the diversity of the African American community (Black  judges, Black lawyers, Black drug dealers, Black high class, Black low class, etc.) as opposed to normal Hollywood African American stereocasts.  

Without a doubt, Tyler Perry managed to wrap laughter into drama and turn a successful theatre play into an even more successful movie with BIG dollar appeal.  "Diary of a Mad Black Women," screams to critics and everyone alike, "You may not want to talk about me or acknowledge me, but I'm here!"