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No, I’m Not A Tyler Perry Fan
Just.. Too... Many... Jokes...
I can’t take it anymore. I’ve heard people rant and rave about how good he is, how his films are amazing, funny and really capture the African American experience. I may be on my own here, but I don’t think Tyler Perry is good. Maybe it’s because I’m not from the South, so I’m not in touch with that part of the Black perspective that he attempts to capture. Perhaps it’s because I’m a borderline obsessive fan of films and I judge quality, cinematography and dialogue too closely. Or it could be that I find some of the racial characteristics he portrays as negatives, that don’t capture the experience, inspire dialogue or are progressive. Either way, I can’t drink the kool aid. Tyler Perry is not a good filmmaker.
Yes, Perry made something out of nothing. He has an entertainment empire with his films, plays, TV shows and books. I respect him for that. I can’t hate on a Black man making money when he’s not killing other folks. He’s done a lot for himself, carved a niche out and possibly inspired kids to do on their own, that they don’t have to go to the big name studios. However, that’s as far as my respect for his work goes.
I feel that the majority of his body of work is sub par. And yes, Spike Lee is right – some of the movies and shows are borderline coonery. There’s humor and then there’s reinforcing stereotypes. The only movie I know that doesn’t do that is “Why Did I Get Married?” And from what I’ve heard that’s the least “Tyler Perry” of the Tyler Perry movies. Which explains why I didn’t mind it. Sure it got a bit dramatic at times, but overall it had a positive message and the plot was decent.
Since Spike called him out, let’s not look at the creative landscape and just compare Perry to other Black filmmakers for a sec. Next to his peers, he doesn’t capture the plight or drama of Black life in a provocative way. Spike did it in “Do the Right Thing”, “School Daze”, “Jungle Fever”… I can go on. John Singleton definitely did it with “Boyz in the Hood” and “Higher Learning”. Sure they depicted Black folk in not the most positive light, but it was raw and real – not stereotypical. It didn’t seem to deplore the people. It was an insight into their lives. As a result it garnered respect and began conversations across cultures.
Those directors and their films were respected by their own people first and then by the film community as a whole because you couldn’t deny how amazing the films were. Tyler Perry does not do that. It’s evident that he has a hardcore following, but I’m not sure how respected he is in the film community. Not that you need the validation of the majority, but it does say something if no one else in your field likes your work and only a certain percentage of the public does. Like Christian Audigier and Ed Hardy for example. No fashion designer respects that dude, and for good reason.
To me, that’s who we should be comparing him to. Not just Spike, Singleton and other Black filmmakers, but all writers/directors. And if you look at what are called great directors or even fellow cult directors like Quentin Tarantino, he pales in comparison. Just because an artist has an audience that doesn’t make him good (see Soulja Boy or Plies).
Lastly, I can’t get down with any man that needs to dress up like a woman in order to make his money. There’s an argument that Black actors/comedians have to act feminine or lose some of their masculinity in order to be successful in Hollywood. Furthermore, the Mammie act and overly ghetto actions are mind boggling to me. And yes, I thought the various movies with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence dressed up as big Black women were horrible too. I’m biased across the board.
Before you scoff and go off on Spike Lee, or me for that matter, really look at Tyler Perry and judge his work. It may be entertaining, but it isn’t great, it isn’t awe-inspiring and it isn’t pushing limits. That’s just me. Please tell me what you think.
Seattle – I Don’t Have to Like Him Just B/c He’s Black – Washington
184 Responses to “No, I’m Not A Tyler Perry Fan”
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Well….mummy made an interesting comment the other night about this subject. She said in her cute little Haitian accent….
“In de end, dey will always be laughin wit or at him, wetha (whether) dey tink of it as a coon stereotype or no”
Then my sister defended him by saying…
“Spike Lee is just mad that Tyler did something he didn’t do or think of, he’s just jealous. Even if people don’t like the film majority goes to the theater to see the film to make that judgment…AND he’s makin’ a great deal of cash off it”
WELL I SAY…I sure do be laughing at him and he DOES NOT make money off of my broke arse.
[sandy] <— is a smart college student and watches all movies on bootleg. BOOYAH!
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:19 am
You ain’t no newbie no more boo.
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Sandy ain't no newbie no more! Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Hehe…I just like the way it sounds.
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I actually had to stop speaking on Tyler Perry, people are either really for or really against him and for some reason, want to make this a class issue. I don’t mind being called a bougie b*itch, I named my blog black n bougie for a reason but folks just call you all out your name if you go in on TP.
But I will say this, I respect his hustle but as a writer, I think his work lacks depth and quality. And because he is “successful” his work is considered as an acceptable standard in Hollywood. So if I present a more complex story to be told, will it get the greenlight?
Or in these terms, how much harder is it to get served filet mignon when a bunch of folks are happily accepting sloppy joes?
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All praises be to the Pacific.
I would like to present you with a COSIGN for your wonderful work on this post.
“Just because an artist has an audience that doesn’t make him good (see Soulja Boy or Plies)”
Americans are stupid. And the base that Tyler Perry is making his money from isn’t exactly the talented tenth. You are what you watch and Perry makes lowbrow comedy for those who are easily entertained.
I saw his comeback point on 60 minutes. His excuse “that nothing is made for these people.” To be honest Mr Perry, I’m trying to eradicate those people. I would love to get to a point where no one thinks Madea, Spongebob, or Pootytang was funny. And those ghetto grandmothers who Madea was based upon? They could become a thing of the past also.
The comeback argument is always the same “Who are you Seattle to judge what is good entertainment and what is not?”
No one can tell you what to laugh at.. but at the same time, you can’t tell me what to think of people who entertain crap.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, You Can't Be Serious Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:47 am
“And the base that Tyler Perry is making his money from isn’t exactly the talented tenth.”
And this my friend, is the crux of the entire matter.
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Thank you for writing this. I don’t like his movies at all. I think they just reinforce stereotypes and are not even funny! Like you said, just because there’s a following, it does not mean it is good. For example, people praising Taylor Swift (whom I really dislike) for writing her own music and singing…but what is she really writing about and singing? CRAP. Her songs are bubble gum and I am probably part of the few who was not mad at Kanye for doing what he does. So what if she writes and sings, doesn’t mean it’s quality stuff. People need to step back and look at the bigger picture and not focus on the fact that there’s a big following. Look at who is following them.
Cheers to you for speaking up about this rubbish!
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Well, L, I didn’t see you arguing FOR Beyonce over Taylor Swift. And whew, I’m sure glad you didn’t…because I’d argue that Single Ladies is CRAP, about nothing, and bubble gum pop in the exact same way.
Anyhoo, the only reason Toilet Paper movies are funny to me is because Madea reminds me of someone I know (too well). TP movies have the potential to be even funnier if you grew up in the “chuuch.” However, I have left one too many theatres post-TP flick thinking to myself “what the heck just transpired? Why do I feel like I got lost in the AMC and walked in on the wrong moment in life?” Way too many times mid-TP flick have I pondered “is this scene over now?” or “how should I feel about this?” or “hey, that never happens in real life…could this get any more awful?” But at the end of the day, I was in that theatre. It’s like that cousin on crack who’s gone thru every relative in the family for support and you just keep giving him a chance. I always leave a TP film shaking my head and asking myself why I did it again.
The best is when you hear people raving about how “great” it was. “Girl, it was so good!” Shut uuuuppppp. These are the same folk who think Shawshank Redemption was too long and that The Color Purple is Whoopi Goldberg’s true life story.
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SingleSassySweet Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Glad you said it…..I HATE Single Ladies!! (And most of that album for that matter) LOL
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Maybe that’s why I can’t really relate to him, but I like Spike Lee flicks. Spike’s classic joints take place in NYC and have something to do with the people of the city. If they didn’t take place in NYC, I can still get down with them because of a previous shared experience (School Daze) or they’re just good flicks (The Inside Man).
I didn’t grow up in the Church, Black or otherwise. Plus I was baptized Catholic. Yeah, a lot different. I don’t know anyone like Madea…
By the way, stop doing it to yourself! Get like Sandie & cop the bootleg!
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Can you be baptized Catholic? #justsayin…
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Please don;t start this…lol
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I actually thought the same thing Sir Streetz. That’s why I stayed out of it. Drifted to another thread.lol.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Light-skinned boo, don’t be mad. As I clarified with Sir Washington on the sidebar, I was merely trying to learn something. Didn’t know that Catholics also baptized folks. #noshots.
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Mocha latte,
not mad at all i just didn’t want a Holy war to ensue on 3-ways.lmaooo
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:38 am
And what are you insinuating Miss Jenkins?
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:41 am
LOL. Damn. I’m not insinuating anything. I’m just trying to get educated here. I didn’t know that Catholics got baptized too. #thatsalltimsayin
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Yes. Catholics get Baptized. I was going to get offended, but then I realized I haven’t stepped foot inside a church in years. But when I did go, they were dunking folks in water and making babies cry, yes.
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:48 am
We wade in the water just like every other Christian. Babies cry. Paparazzi takes pictures. We sing
NegroRoman/Latin/English spirituals. We even stanky leg when appropriate.Reply
temps Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
obviously some of you didnt see the Godfather
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:15 am
“The best is when you hear people raving about how “great” it was. “Girl, it was so good!” Shut uuuuppppp. These are the same folk who think Shawshank Redemption was too long and that The Color Purple is Whoopi Goldberg’s true life story.”
*dead* and soooo true. I’ve seen all the movies but I never leave feeling they were great. I had an argument with my mama about “The Family that Preys” and I just decided from now on not to discuss the quality of TP films with…anyone. lol. I’m a major film junkie, but I dont hardly get to see enough GOOD films. I have both of these titles mentioned above on DVD and they are two of my favorite movies.
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Malange Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Lmao@ “Shawshank Redemption was too long and that The Color Purple is Whoopi Goldberg’s true life story.”
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, You Can't Be Serious Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
“You own everythang don’t take nigga from us. Don’t you remember we love you Oprah cuz you a nigga! Did you forget that? Forget the Color Purple already?…’til you do right.by.me, NIGGA!”
-Money Mike
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I feel that Spike Lee needs to go sit down somewhere because his portrayals of black women are always demeaning. I believe he has some deep rooted issue with black women that he has not worked out. I have a hard time respecting him or his work for that reason. Too many people laud him for poor work, just because it’s weird doesn’t mean it’s good. Him talking about Tyler Perry is the pot calling the kettle black as far as I am concerned.
I’m going to work, so I won’t be able to explain in detail why there are tons of women who hate Spike Lee, myself included, but if you would like me to explain more in depth, email me.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Damn, I really wanted to hear what you had to say. I may take you up on that homie. Thanks for stopping by.
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I agree with this post! I catch so much scrutiny for not liking TP and not supporting a Black man. I do respect his hustle, but I can’t get with it. I understand what he said on 60 Minutes about using the characters to draw people in to talk about the “tough subjects.” He is also writing about what he knows and what he’s experienced, and I’m sure that his movies have helped a lot of people.
I don’t relate to the characters much, not because I’m not Southern, nor have I been a victim of, or seen physical and drug abuse, but because ALL OF HIS STORIES ARE THE SAME! (Sprinkled with new characters here and there). I like variety, and I get tired of the same thing every time from him. Someone is cheating, someone is abuse, they go to church…problem solved! Now, I do go to church, and I’m a Christian, but for real, how many stories of abuse are we supposed to watch….we get it Tyler!
As long as he keeps making box office numbers like he has been, I don’t see that changing. He truly lives by “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So be ready to see a lot more from TP!
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BLaCk Bruce WaYnE Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Triple S…
You have what they call ***snaps fingers to help jog memory*** ………AN OPINION!! I hate when black people get upset if you don’t feel what someone is putting out. You get labeled a hater. An opinion is an opinion point blank!
You’re totally right tho! That is one other reason I forgot to mention in my comment below about TP is his redundant nature when it comes to plots in his movies.
Overall well said….
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SingleSassySweet Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Thanks for the compliment! Yes! People get on me all the time about how I feel….for not going to see TP movies (though I’ll be at Why Did I Get Married? Part 2) or supporting this new Black Princess, or Chris Rock’s hair movie…don’t get me started lol. But yea, I’m def not a hater. I would never discourage anyone from seeing any TP movie…I just choose not to go.
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When you alluded to not, perhaps, understanding what TP is talking about because you’re not from the South, you hit it on the head.
I don’t know if it’s because you’re not from the South, necessarily, but there is a demographic of black folks TP appeals to and apparently you, my dear Seattle, aren’t in it.
I did a blog post on this yesterday. What I think is unfortunate is that black people want to go to see a black film and immediately find themselves in it and when they don’t, it’s coonery, buffoonery and not worth anything.
It’s ironic that Spike Lee is criticizing Tyler Perry because I know a lot of black folks who didn’t like Bamboozled because they didn’t get what he was trying to do. They didn’t see the larger point he was trying to make, just like a lot of the larger points Tyler Perry is trying to make is either loss on some of us or we just don’t want to see it because we’ve already decided it’s “trash” or “coonery.”
Whatever happened to “Hey, that’s not my thing but that doesn’t make it bad.”?
When we look back on the types of films that have been popular that had black people in it, we haven’t seen the types of characters Tyler Perry has presented. We’ve seen unlikely heros (Blaxploitation – a la Shaft) we’ve seen thugs (Hood movies – a la Boyz N Da Hood) we’ve seen the elite and educated (Bougie movies – a la The Wood) and we’ve even got a whole genre of movies that can only be described as… well… Spike Lee movies.
You know, I think School Daze is a great film, but I do not identify with it in the least. That movie doesn’t describe my college experience at all, but I respect that it does describe the college experience of many. I dont’ see my family in the movie Crooklyn, but that’s a good film as well. I bet, however, it wouldn’t take much to find 10 people who think both those movies and in fact all of Spike’s films are horrid… but those movies really aren’t for them (read: the 2520s).
Sure, Tyler’s movies may have less than wonderful dialogue (I think the best way that’s been put is, “subtlety is not his thing…”) but his movies aren’t for those of us who only like movies that we have to spend the next week dissecting.
I’m just ready for us educated black folks to chill out sometimes. Really.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
My bigger argument is that Tyler Perry’s movies are sub par. Period.
Not so much that it’s coonery, although it could be viewed that way, or that it’s for the “Talented Tenth”.
You said it yourself, even though you can’t directly relate to a Spike Lee joint, you still recognize the quality of it. I can’t relate to Schindler’s List or Shawshank Redemption, but I know they’re amazing films. Shoot, I can’t relate to Eve’s Bayou, but that’s a great one as well.
Even the Black films that aren’t classics, i.e. the Wood, are still better than a Tyler Perry joint. I can’t get down with the Cali lifestyle, but it’s a good story.
Sure there are things that aren’t my thing, ahem Waiting to Exhale, but hey I saw it and I can’t knock that it’s a good film. I may have jokes for days on it, but at the end of the day it’s a… can’t believe I’m about to say this… dammit, yes it’s a good film.
All I’m saying is that I can recognize a good thing even if I’m not into it or can relate to it. Tyler Perry isn’t that.
To your point though, I’m not his demographic. Just like I’m not Plies or Soulja Boy’s audience. But, I can look objectively at something and assess the quality of it. Especially when other folks are telling me it’s the bees knees.
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Isn’t it fair though that for some TP’s films are the bees’ knees (yo, what does that even mean, like what’s so great about bees’ knees? They don’t do anything. Do bees even have knees? Lawd, the things that plague me) and whether that’s because they’re not cultured enough to know what is generally considered good cinema or if it’s because they ain’t got the sense God gave a cricket, it’s still what works for them.
I guess I’m sort of baffled on where all the backlash comes from (not from you, specifically, Seattle, but just in general). If you don’t like TP films, that’s fine but does that mean he has to stop making them?
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Eh, I get what you’re saying. I don’t feel that he has to stop making them, I was just stating my opinion.
Honestly, I thought I was the only person besides Spike Lee that didn’t like TP. All I was attempting to do was present the other side of the argument. Because all I heard was how he shits diamonds and releases oxygen when he breathes instead of carbon dioxide.
Oh and yeah, I didn’t know either A Smith. But, I was intrigued so I had to look it up. For the record:
Bees carry pollen back to the hive in sacks on their legs. … the concentrated goodness [is] be found around the bee’s knee.
So, boom, the bee’s knees = amazing
Bibliography:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-bees-knees.html
http://www.sandiegobeesknees.com/the_bees_knees.htm
::The More You Knoooooow::
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:37 am
The magic of the innanets. How did we learn stuff before? An image of a large building with books comes to mind, but that can’t be right.
I was directing my last comment in a more general fashion; I follow where you were going.
It’s funny that you thought you were alone in disliking Tyler Perry, cause despite his ticket sales, I swear no one likes this man. Guess it’s a reference point, thing.
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am
let’s not get on the cat’s meow!!
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, You Can't Be Serious Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I think every time Waiting to Exhale airs or is played on DVD and Angela Basset slaps the taste out that white woman’s mouth, black women everywhere stand and applaud whether they are watching or not.
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BLaCk Bruce WaYnE Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:27 am
RCLS,
Yooooo that is true!!!….lmfao…hahahahaha
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:16 am
“All I’m saying is that I can recognize a good thing even if I’m not into it or can relate to it. Tyler Perry isn’t that.”
GEEEZ. I agree with this TOO! I Can Do Bad, Madea’s Family Reunion, Madea Goes to Jail…hate to say it, but these sucked! Diary of a Mad Black Woman was a stretch, but it was still a great debut (minus the horrible cornrows on Shemar Moore…ugh). But, the man just took it TOO far. Like, I pride myself on embracing my Black culture (whatever that may be), but I ain’t neva heard of tossing hot grits on a man gone awry til I saw a TP movie. Hot water? Ok. Hot grease. Sure. But hot grits? I only make grits on special occasions. Was that concept new to anybody else?
Back to the hair…Shemar Moore’s cornrows. Boris Kodjoe’s smoothed over medium high top. Tyler Perry’s awful fro-thing in Family that Preys. Just horrid. If you can’t get the wigs right, what can you get right?!?! It sure as heck ain’t the script!
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
the hot grits thing happened to Al Green thing–which is where he got it from. LOL google it.
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
“Back to the hair…Shemar Moore’s cornrows.”
This is the worst hairdo in the history of film hairdos. Those cornrows look like they put them in Microsoft Word 97 and copied and pasted them onto his head. Like a walking Photoshop FAIL or some sh*t. Terrible.
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Malange Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I agree you have to look at the quality of something. Norbit made me bust a gut. Was it a great movie hell no. but it did have a comical view.
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:09 am
“Sure, Tyler’s movies may have less than wonderful dialogue (I think the best way that’s been put is, “subtlety is not his thing…”) but his movies aren’t for those of us who only like movies that we have to spend the next week dissecting. I’m just ready for us educated black folks to chill out sometimes. Really.”
You are absolutely right. Well done. And with that said, I’m chillin.
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
“Sure, Tyler’s movies may have less than wonderful dialogue (I think the best way that’s been put is, “subtlety is not his thing…”) but his movies aren’t for those of us who only like movies that we have to spend the next week dissecting. ”
I’m down with this. I watch his films with the same eye that I watch crappy reality shows. Mindless entertainment. I can film-snob it up with the best of ‘em, but sometimes we need that balance.
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I agree with you Seattle. I find some of TP’s movies amusing, but they lack so much character development and the plot is usually HORRIBLE. I’ve supported almost all of them financially, so I can say I always hope for them to get better and they have, but they are so predictable. I don’t think Spike is jealous of Tyler or “hating”–but I’m a huge Spike Lee fan. I guess if we had a variety of genres covered by black filmmakers, the criticisms wouldn’t be so severe-can’t call it. I will say I saw Law Abiding Citizen over the weekend by F. Gary Gray and it was GOOD! He’s good with the niche of action. Spike is good with everything. Tyler tries to do drama–but he isn’t that good yet. He has comedy on lock though. Can’t be mad at that.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Hey F. Gary Gray did FRIDAY!
He could do comedies way better than TP.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I know that. lol He’s come a long way in genre though, going into the action lane. I’m proud of him–because the movies are good. I havent’ messed with Friday since the first one though, but it is a classic. Nothing TP has put out is classic, hood/cult following or otherwise.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Yeah He only did the first one.
Cube has been directing the last few friday movies….
its very much up in the air how the last two came out.
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nyhoop Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:48 am
F. Gary Gray also directed Set It Off which I love! Haven’t seen Law Abiding Citizen yet, but I think one of the problems is that there just aren’t enough of us in the game, so we all become easy targets. More comments to come…
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I’m not the biggest TP fan, but that’s not because I think he’s taking us back. Let’s be real, people. Perpetuating stereotypes? Seriously? Please identify which. I’m with ASmith to the extent that just because you can’t identify with something doesn’t make it far-fetched coonery and awful. I know at least five people that are just like Madea, and on the real, half the church jokes are hilarious.
Anywhoo, I feel you Seattle. I’m not a TP fan because I feel most of his work is never fully developed, and it’s just…wack. The dialogue is ehh and the scenes don’t flow well. And like SSS said, it’s the same friggin formula every time: A group of famous black actors, someone’s abused, there’s a good and bad guy (both of whom happen to be incredibly sexy), the woman is saved by the man, and then everyone is saved by Jesus. For some reason, though, like MaPockets said, I keep going back, tryna give him another chance…
Oh, and regarding Spike Lee…he needs to saddown. He hasn’t made a good movie since Crooklyn. Yea, I said it. “Inside Man” was a hot mess. (I can’t even believe somebody’s lettin him bill for a part II.) And “He Got Game”? Psshhhh
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I feel it, but transforming plays into movies can’t be easy. Hordes of ppl enjoyed his plays so he took them to the big screen. Could’ve been worse
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I was actually gonna make that point but didn’t want my comment to be OD long.lol Yea, I feel like he tried to use the same formula and approach that he used in plays (which were successful) and apply those same strategies to the silver screen #fail. That’s what makes it worse. I feel the big picture/main points in his movies are lost because of the exaggerated and overly dramatic processes he uses to make them. Sure, they were fitting for a stage play; but, please, go back to the drawing board and consult those who are in the movie-making business to create a successful film.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
The plays urk me more than the movies…all that hollerin’ and whoopin’. #saddownsomewhur
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:39 am
WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!
“‘The Inside Man’ was a hot mess?”
I can see why you wouldn’t like “He Got Game”, but “The Inside Man” was amazing.
You’ve surprised me today Nyela. You’ve surprised me.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I’ve only seen part of “The Inside Man” (pause?) and I enjoyed He Got Game. Then again, I’m not OD critical of movies. I accept most things for what they are, unless we’re talking about “The Happening”.
I don’t hate Tyler Perry. I don’t even think he’s setting us back for that matter. However, it appears to me that he’s targeting a really select audience and/or niche. If anything, I think he could stand to cast a wider net…which would require more depth in his story lines. I don’t know anybody that is just like Madea and all the church jokes go over my head. I’d like to think that I don’t need to have a loud and “crazy” family member and have to sit in the pews every week just to enjoy a movie. At least with Spike Lee joints, though they are often lame, I don’t walk out scratching my head.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Eh…I think his net is just fine. He is telling stories about people whose stories don’t get told in any sorta positive light. These crazy characters, though dramatized, do exist in plenty of families. Being that his audience doesn’t seem to be the talented tenth, that means there are still a whole hellofalot of people left to represent and entertain.
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I really think Spike is jealous.
Yeah, I said it.
If nothing else, people are talking about him when we weren’t talking about him 2 weeks ago.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:58 am
he could be. I read on a blog awhile ago that Tyler Perry has made almost the same amount of money grossed in film in the last 7 years that Spike has made in 23 years–a little over 300 million.
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:37 am
And let’s be honest… if someone popped up doing something you went to school for, have worked your behind off for and made as much (if not more) money than you in WAY less time, we’d all be spittin’ fire mad.
Even still, Spike needs to remember bitter is not cute.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:49 am
well they should be. Just like when Sam Jackson and more recently Nia Long spoke on musicians getting all the movie roles. Sorry, but Curtis Jackson, Sean Diddy Combs and Beyonce can’t really act. And it sucks because you have people that study and live their craft that can’t get work. but that’s another discussion. lol
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I have some Madea like folk in fam too and see some of her feistiness in myself also LMAO…..not ashamed of that at all…. nor do I feel TP is taking us back…..things uniquely black are not shameful
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Why does everyone keep saying “THE Inside Man.” I’m with you…I thought it was just “Inside Man.” Either way, inside man shoulda stayed inside. He came out. Make him go back in…and SAT DOWN SOMEWHEREAS.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
because black people like to put “the” in front of everything or “s” at the end. like “the walmart” or “walmarts”. LOL
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
hahaha…hence the “s” at the end of my “somewherea”
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Love the articles….
i believe that they’re both trying to do the same things with completely different (even opposite) approaches.
Spike tries to raise awareness in Our community by being up front and in your face…. “WAAAAAAAAAKEE UUUUP – (c) School Daze” but still has moments where he plays on stereotypes and you kinda cringe like the Good or Bad hair scene from the same movie. “Your just a jiiiiiiiiiiggabooooooo”. I believe he is still empowering people to think about the negative stereotypes so that we can eliminate them.
TP tries to raise awareness in Our community by playing on the same stereotypes that were created for us, and poking fun at it. WhenEVER you poke fun at stereotypes (especially Our stereotypes) it gets cooneriffic REAL quick…..
boyz ‘n the hood vs. dont be a menace in south central while drinking your juice in the hood”
even serious movies like HavPlenty (which i’m a huge fan of and my fam is in the movie) and Harlem Knights could get coonerish pretty quickly depending on how you look at it…
TP also lacks the experience that Spike has. This experience can change a whole film because of the way you handle the issues (read Tact).
Longstory(notso)short they have different approaches to the same issues.
my 3 cents……..
y0
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I would actually argue that the Madea plays/movies do speak to black experience (NOT “THE” black experience b/c that will never be portrayed accurately – can any of u sum that up in one essay/thesis/book/script? Think not). Madea plays often speak to an underlying morality too; TP is educating, but maybe it takes a certain kind of person to recognize that. I’d also like to point out that a stereotype isn’t a stereotype if it’s true…real folk in real “black” life act like TPs characters – we see them all the time! If ppl feel a certain way about them, go into the community & slap’em – not TP. Where are all the bloggers who stood up to say that “‘they’ don’t represent me!” a few weeks back?
With that said, I’m not a fan of his TBS shows b/c I think they force it – try too hard to illicit laughs w/ bad writing. The ratings, however, are pretty good if I’m not mistaken, & didn’t one of his shows get an award last year?
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I would actually argue that the Madea plays/movies do speak to black experience
Exactly. Nobody knows better than black people how different we all are and yet we’re the 1st ones trying to cram us all into one box. We get mad when the 2520s do it, but then we do it to ourselves.
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I have to say when TP first started coming out with films I was against them 100% just based on the Man dressed as a Big Fat Black Women image. I never really gave him a chance until my mom told me how touched she was by “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” which I think I saw on Cable a few years after it was released. Since then I’ve watched about 2 other Medea movies (on Cable) and actually spent money to watch “Why did I get Married” in the theaters. I can’t say I totally love his work but I can’t say I’m against it either because I like many movies that could be considered subpar or in bad taste. I guess at the end of the day I don’t feel like a Tyler Perry movies represents me nor do I find a real message in them, but they don’t offend me either.
I don’t think we should make TP a Scapegoat for the dip entertainment has taken in recent years, is it really Okay for the Wayans to dress up as “White Chicks” or make original comedy’s by piecing together every cult classic of the previous year.
I just think the elevation in expectations should be made across the board, from Music to movies, to TV shows, to even fashion, every time I walk into Macy’s in Brooklyn I am greeted by Guess purses with a Huge silver or gold plated “G” but of course if I go to 34th Street its not the case. Its just small of Spike Lee to make it a TP issue, I am hoping if he wanted to support finer arts, he would have a better plan than to throw a diss at TP in an interview.
I think the biggest issue I have with this TP vs. Spike issue is why do black people always have to fight each other publicly and in such a dirty way. How often do we hear of White writer/producers dissing each other in the public? No matter what you do someone is always going to have something to say, but it seems like black people cant just let each other live sometime. Spike Lee needs to learn to Co-exist because he doesn’t have a choice and like I said, if he wants to support fine arts, then he should go out and do it!
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:09 am
“I think the biggest issue I have with this TP vs. Spike issue is why do black people always have to fight each other publicly and in such a dirty way.”
I was JUST about to speak on this, but then I read ur comment. We r the only folks who continually bring our own down. The #1 fail in the black community in this country is that we can’t support each other. We make up a tenth of this US population – we don’t have the numbers. We aren’t gonna survive if we perpetuate divisive behavior, even in the mildest forms. I’m sorry, but No, black ppl do not have the luxury of publicly doling “constructive” criticism towards each other b/c (I don’t mean to digress), simply, we need to fight a bigger fight together. I think Spike failed for even taking it there. Got problems, opinions? Keem’em in house – we need to build from within. C’mon folks.
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Exactly, its Family business!
Per Kanye “And act like everything fine and if it isn’t
We ain’t lettin’ everybody in our family business”
Now this is only the exception for those who do not break the law, I will still speak out about Rappers who talk about drugs, Guns and Killing, and I will not support them. Go Drake!
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It takes all kinds, the black experience is multifaceted and I for one am not ashamed of things that are uniquely black, I rather enjoy it…….. I use to feel the way Spike does about TP’s work but then I realized that everyone isn’t entertained by what entertains me AND..underneath the vehicle of Madea, there are positive messages in his films, of which one or two I enjoyed..I don’t watch his TV shows etc , no interest in that……I think Spike should offer to work with TP instead of speaking negatively, help one another, black folks have a hard enough time in Hollyweird…..
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Exactly!
They both bring something to the table, they could make a really great movie together, instead of making an enemy. Its just unprofessional in my mind.
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Point blank period, TP’s movies are trash. Even if you can’t relate to it because you didn’t grow up in a church, it’s trash. Every woman depicted in his movies has some sort of problem.
i.e, Madea’s Family Reunion: battered wife.
Diary of a Mad Black Woman: revengeful wife.
The Family That Preys: a bougie, clingy, homewrecker wife.
I Can do Bad All By Myself: selfish alcoholic trampish girl.
Nothing in any of his movies had me thinking “i know that person” or “i can relate to this on so many levels”.
I don’t even know how a MAN can make movies based on a WOMAN’s experiences anyway.
Now with Spike, the quality of his movies are better than TP’s IMO. He drew a picture that you kind of wanted to be apart of. Scool Daze had me desperately wanting to go enroll in an HBCU & pledge a sorority. In Crooklyn, I wanted to be in a big family unit like that. The quality of Spike’s films trumps TP’s.
TP is going to continue to make movies and
sillypeople are still going to eat them up.*sidenote The Uncle on House of Payne is verrry funny.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:58 am
wow…….so black women haven’t had any of those experiences huh????
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Had the same question
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ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am
not what i’m saying at all. but. every. movie. he. makes. has. a. black. woman. depicted. with. a. problem.
Why can’t a black woman be “normal” sans some sort of battle?
Especially in meet the browns. OMG that movie had me pissed beyond pisstivity. Had Angela Basset out there begging the electric man to keep the lights on for her “babies”? Who does that?
My mother was a single mother, not onceeee was she ever begging someone for anything a la meet the browns.
Not every black women in america has the problems he depicts.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am
he never said every black woman does, and not all his characters are plagued. What I find is TP really cares about the black womans plight, I think there is a sincere love and respect there, and he depicts some tough situations that black women face and overcome, not all…
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:24 am
That’s the way I see it too… he’s CHOOSING to depict those women for a reason. He doesn’t have to depict women without affliction – that’s not his agenda. It’s kinda funny we’re trying to judge an artist. Question, who wants to watch a movie about characters w/ no problems?
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ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
i’m sorry i can’t, i wont try to, & don’t think i’ll ever get jiggy with any of tyler perry’s works. no suh.
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:32 am
lol, u don’t have to
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:46 am
right he is on his way to Billionaire status….
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ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I am sorry but all of his characters are plagued with some sort of issue.
If you can name one (not limited to leading roles, all roles) character that doesn’t have a problem in any of his movies then, I’ll think about retracting my statement.
But for the most part, all of them have a problem, issue, plight, whatev. Something is wrong with them.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:35 am
what human being doesn’t have some sort of issue??? to be human is to be flawed in some capacity anyway….
I haven’t even seen all his films but aren’t most good stories outside of TP based on good and evil and overcoming some type of adversity???, every good story always boils down to that every single one..so you tell me where are these perfect people you know outside of Jesus LOL
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:37 am
But he has a right to do that. It’s like if somebody did a series on Successful Black Fathers. Now we KNOW successful black fathers don’t represent a nice proportion of baby daddies out there. Would u get upset that the series didn’t address them to? Or what if a painter liked painting oranges, bananas & grapes. Can’t get mad at him/her for leaving out pineapples & watermelon. Artists have agendas… why can’t we just let them do their work?
If it’s the actual work (quality/delivery/etc.) that needs critique, that’s a different story.
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ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:48 am
ok maybe i should have wrote this in my original post. it’s not only the problems depicted, it’s the delivery of the problems.
take a movie like Slumdog Millionaire. Told a story of ayoung indian boy’s struggle/plight but wasn’t stereo typical of indian culture.
boyz in the hood told a story about growing up in LA & the battles they faced everyday. but wasn’t stereotypical of for lack of a better term, “hood life”.
menace II society same thing.
it’s all in the delivery of the plight. he comes off coonish. & that urks me.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:59 am
thats your interpretation and the beauty of art BTW means diff things to diff people, evokes diff feelings etc..some folk had problems with Boyz in the hood because of all the actual killing that was and is still going on in the hood….
some folk had probelms with Slumdog showing how some of those kids and people actually live…..
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I think that’s the difference though. People had problems with those movies because of their accurate depiction of what’s going on in those neighborhoods and with that culture. People have a problem with Tyler Perry because of his dramatic imagery, over the top plots and stereotypical characters.
ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Seattle, I’m going to visit relatives in AL for Thanksgiving. I’m inviting you — you’ll gain 20lbs in 3 days (hell, in 3 mins), while I’ll be the first to say Tyler adds stuff for the dramatic appeal, you’ll see that he is not misrepresenting anything.
And this doesn’t just hold true for Southerners…. but I know these people.
Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Y’know you’ve got a damn good point. I see it as dramatic, but I don’t live that life. That could be the real.
With that said, I’ve never been one to pass up a good Southern meal. Thanks for the invitation, I may have to make my way down there.
OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I agree its not a misrepresntation @ all….just cause you don’t have folks in your fam/circle like that doesn’t mean they don’t exist….people like the character Madea do exist LOL
CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Just because those people do exist does not mean the plot has to stink, the continuity has to be bad, there could be zero character development, and the emotions have to be unbelievably simple.
I feel like what you are trying to tell me is that people in the south have no depth so its ok that these characters are so stupid. Nothing in southern life is thought provoking or complicated so its ok that the movie is poorly crafted. No one in your family is creative, why would Tyler Perry’s characters.
ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:55 am
My dear Cheekz. Think more of me.
First off, you’ll never find me suggesting that TP’s plots are ground breaking, his dialogue amazing and screenplays titillating (pause). They are simple and I think they are simplistic so that those “deeper” points TP is trying to make aren’t lost on his target audiences. I ain’t callin’ ‘em stupid, but I am saying that they’re cinema game may not be proper.
What I am suggesting in that prior post, however, is that no one should dismiss his characters as stereotypes or caricatures just because they don’t know anyone personally who is like that.
These people do have depth and I think TP’s characters have depth as well, but a lot of people miss it because we all want to be able to relate to the people we see and when we are unable to, we dismiss them completely.
Oh, and let’s all go ahead and admit to ourselves that we, at some point, did think Southerners were simple and stupid and it’s only because we’re educated (and trying to make a point) that we’ll concede on that point. (Obviously the use of “we” is loose, because until I went to college, I didn’t know ya’ll thought we were stupid and married our cousins for real. ::deep sigh:: )Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I can understand cross-through. Studied it for the past year or so. I think that’s the bigger issue here. The South is a totally different culture in Black America. It’s evident in the taste for music, film, fashion, etc. It just is. Once you cross that Mason Dixie, it’s a different vibe. But that’s another post for another time. Boom.
ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Cheekz’ & Seattle’s thoughts are my sentiments exactly. with that said, back to work I go. great post.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
not really thats not what anyone is saying at all….but when you write honey you consider your audience one of the first rules….southren folks aren’t bougie per say but they are not dim witted either, its a different kind of wisdom and culture…by the way Cheeks I’m a Washingtonian but my most of my fam is from the South and none of my folks are slow, I have highly intelligent parents with southren charms….
If you want a certain type of depth and complexity seek it elsewhere as I do..its like when folk look to Beyonce for Sade-esque material instead of going to Sade for it….Beyonce has her lane and so does Tyler…again it takes all kinds.
CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Orange.
The south isn’t a different culture… its a different part of the country. If we were talking about Japanese humor or some of those offensive Latin American TV shows that still use blackface, culture would be a reasonable arguement. But Gucci Mane, Souljia Boy, and Tyler Perry can’t hide behind the premise of being regional. If that were true people here in NY wouldn’t be lining up to watch that trash. People like simple to digest things, I get it. Tyler Perry fans don’t like to think. But please don’t tell two things
1)’CHeeKZ don’t get it.’ You don’t have to speak english to understand a TP movie. Nothing is a TP movie is going over anyone’s head. If you can comprehend the Muppet Babies, you can get the jokes and the plot. The fact that I can’t relate to it isn’t why I hate it. Please don’t treat him like some Avant-garde artwork who only those who have lived the life can get. Its a man in a freaking dress!
“but CHeeKZ, the man in the dress symbolism the way the white man has emasculated the black family by robbing it of its black man… that is why Madea goes to Jail”
o_O
2)’We can get our depth from Spike and our Shallow from TP.’ I thought the number for spike lee’s movies show that people don’t get their depth anywhere. Good indepent provocative material falls by the waist side. But A MAN IN A DRESS MAKES 300 MILLION. Spike has a right to be mad, just like Joell Ortiz should punch OJ da Juiceman in his face. Advocates for poor material act like quality art gets a fair share and that is BS. Struggling artist in all forms continually are pushed down for crap like Perry pushes out. If the world was 50/50 maybe I would be so mad, but when was the last time you heard a Talib Kweli song on the radio? Exactly. Too many dumb people.
OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Cheekz…I hear you and ironically I used to feel that way myself but then I thought about the the fact that everyone’s level of comprehension isn’t like mine, doesn’t make them idiots, like I have stated I am not the biggest fan of TP’s work as a whole but I am not gonna knock the man or his work……. and the south IS a different sub-culture.
Quality art as you put it does get a fair shot, its all around, you just have to know where to look and I am not advocating dumbing down by any means but it takes all kinds for all kinds bottomline.
Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am
that was the only one I didn’t see, because even the previews made it look ungood. lol.
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ashbunnie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:28 am
good for you that you didn’t see it. ter ree bell. & that damn lady who ALWAYS plays someone’s aunt, mother, sister gets on my damn nerves. i can’t remember her name but she was one of the aunts on fresh prince.
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Jennifer Lewis is amazing.lol
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, You Can't Be Serious Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Can’t front…that fool on Meet the Browns does make me chuckle…I definitely know a few people like that.
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I think all main character women in TP movies are battered, physically, in some way or another, at some point in the film. All the time. Does that mean someway, somehow, someone is going to beat the crap out of me? Inevitably? I hope not.
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
“Every woman depicted in his movies has some sort of problem.”
Isn’t that his point, though? He wants to give those “battered” women a voice. He wants to bring light to the issues that we can’t relate to, in an effort to show that these issues do exist. I agree that the delivery isn’t the best, with regard to his inability to maintain continuity and development, but I won’t knock the effort nor his hussle.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Can’t knock the hustle @ all…his journey has been blessed and I hope the Lord continues to bless him, so the he may in turn be a blessing to others.
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All of Tyler Perry’s movie are founded on the same principle, belief in God and family. He makes movies to inspire and encourage people spiritually. If he can make me laugh while doing that he is alright with me.. Spike Lee is a hater. When as he ever thanked God for anything….Tyler will continue to be blessed and inspire people because he puts God first. Period.
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I have been in the dark about Spike Lee’s comments, so I will try and dig those up, along with TP’s rebuttal; therefore, I can only comment from Seattle’s entry, and some comments above…
I too am the person that has adopted TP as a Black Business, and try and support him whenever I can, and oftentimes I am very disappointed. I too hope that the next film will be quality, and keep going back, eventhough I know its going to be “successful Black Woman gets screwed over by successful Black Man, and falls in love with the Steel Mill Worker/Bus Driver/Mechanic/Small Town Sherrif.” I think once he branches out away from the Play conversions, his quality will get much better, ie “Push” scheduled to come out in November.
If Spike Lee called TP out and saying his work is coonery, I think that’s wrong. I think it instantly translates to the “crabs in a barrell” analogy. As a reputable Black filmmaker, could Spike have not just pulled TP on the side? I don’t hear 2520′s making those comments about their own folks (maybe they do?) Just as many people on this blog said that Kanye doesn’t represent all Black people, neither does TP. I think we need to have the ability to just laugh sometimes and not be so serious. Sometimes, I don’t always want to be mentally challenged. I don’t always want to listen to The Roots, Bahamadia, Erykah Badu, etc. Sometimes, I wanna “Crank That Soulja Boy.” Youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! lmao.
Oh, and I don’t like Quentin Tarantino. His movies are good, but they are just an excuse for him to say “nigger” and it pisses me off!Reply
The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, You Can't Be Serious Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
What up Edna…
Check it, white folks have been sayin nigger since Moses was a youth…you really think they need an excuse?
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nyhoop Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
What’s good RCLS, thanks for the love! (how did you get that name anyways? hit me on the side bar cuz maybe you’ve explained it before? lol) And no, they don’t need an excuse, but I think the way QT uses it, it makes it acceptable in a culture that has somewhat evloved since Birth of a Nation lol…
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Rox Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Gotta co-sign. We need to start supporting each other for real. I’m so sick of this. Everyone needs critique – it’s how we improve. However, there is a time & a place for it & it should be tactful & not aired in front of 2520s who revel in our affirmations of their prejudices. On the surface we need to have each other’s back, period. To digress a tad, but to hone in on my point, I have little respect for black folk who openly condemn our President. Shame. We ain’t gonna make it if we keep tearing down our successes.
Support black business, don’t buy from Asian hair stores, & GOBAMA!!!
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:59 am
You don’t get what you want from a politician by supporting him, you get what you want from them by keeping an eye on them. ….
Now that I think about it, the same goes for artist.
I’m keeping my eye on black people, b/c I feel we feel into this whole b/c no one was looking out for us.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:23 am
just to be clear, he didn’t direct Push, he’s just producing the project along with Oprah for a wider distribution. Not sure if you knew that or not–but I’ve seen a lot of people confuse the two. Lee Daniels is the director.
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nyhoop Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:24 am
No, you’re absolutely right, I should have been more clear, but the point I was trying to make is that its a project he’s involved in that was not one of his former plays…
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
yeah its a good move, IMO. I am glad that he’s taking the initiative to move in a different direction. He has the resources to help out other filmmakers that are struggling in the funding arena and I think he should. And his notoriety will hopefully get more people to see films they probably wouldn’t have before, like Precious/Push.
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Push….ahhh, Push. TP is producing this flick. I think he needs to start producing more. Less writing. Less directing. Less acting. More producing. Push is going to be GREAT. Okay, maybe some directing is okay.
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Good Post Starbucks…
Tyler Perry is a true example of ‘The Beautiful Struggle’ and much respect. I don’t think his work is touching on coonery but to be frank his work is not good at all (House of Payne is soooo bad). His stuff just doesn’t move me because I feel they are SUBPAR compared to other actors & directors that execute on his level similar to what SW has already mentioned.
I took a step back to analyze why I’m not drinking the TP Kool Aid as compared to others. At the end of the day, I came to the conclusion I have not grown-up with TP and his work. So I have to take into consideration that my not a fan of him probably for this reason.
Even though I’m not a fan of his work, I do acknowledge the fact that whether film critics love or despise his movies, the only thing that matters is that he has a FOLLOWING. I think that is one thing that none of us non-TP fans can take away him. A strong following in film equals “money, money, money” especially if you’re independent from Hollywood. So much respect but I’m not a fan.
“If I don’t like it, I don’t like it. That doesn’t mean I’m hating” -Nas
Making a bigger statement than C. Brown’s bowtie,
-BBW
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:27 am
actually Common said that.
but I agree with you.
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BLaCk Bruce WaYnE Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Good lookin… I was going back and forth in my mind on whether it was Common or Nas that said it…
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:49 am
homey…. CLASSIC COMMON SONG!
CLASSIC!
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:47 am
(House of Payne is soooo bad)
Say that again, I almost want to break my TV whenever I accidentally flip to it, its really bad.
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i cannot stomach any of perry’s tv shows. i’ve tried, but after 35 secs i start twitching and frantically searching for the remote. i’ve seen most of the movies too. unfortunately for perry, i have established a level of expectation from his work, and have opted to wait for DVD/catch it on showtime moving forward. that being said, i don’t knock the hustle.
i accept that most of perry’s stuff isn’t for “me.” my issue with spike’s comments is that he implies perry’s work isn’t for “us.” but in reality, there is no “us.”
“low brow” comedy is not a new phenomenon. it’s actually a genre on its own for mainstream movies (think: most will farrell/baron cohen flicks). perry is simply filling a niche market. the issue is that there aren’t enough black directors to fill other other unfulfilled needs, which puts perry’s work at the forefront, resulting in a lot more attention than is truly warranted.
plus, spike hasn’t come out with anything decent in eons. if he doesn’t like it, DO SOMETHING. mentor some up-and-coming directors/producers. but don’t get on tv and knock another man’s grind. it’s almost unbecoming.
aside: someone above mentioned that they want to eradicate the type of audience that enjoys perry’s movies. that’s deep. to want to eliminate a class of people because…they embarass you? they have a lifestyle that is different from yours? you’re worried that WPs will judge you based on their experiences with “those black people”? what kind of world would this be if we were all a monolithic group? smh.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
someone above mentioned that they want to eradicate the type of audience that enjoys perry’s movies. that’s deep. to want to eliminate a class of people because…they embarass you?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dude, you just assumed a whole lot. I’m not taking back what I said… but the assumption that ignorance embarasses me is just foolish. I don’t laugh at fart jokes, I’m not embarassed by those who are.. I just don’t respect their opinion.
There is a HUGE difference from wanting to see a world of quality and wanting to see a monolithic group. Like Seattle said.. there are plenty of movies that I don’t like that I could atleast respect. I have no respect for that product. Nor do I respect the opinions of those who think producing such material is acceptable. Straight to DVD trash wrapped up behind hype used to make 300 million.
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clsmoove Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:31 am
streetz,
i made no assumptions…i simply posed questions. not respecting their opinion is cool…wanting to eradicate them becoz of it? eh, not so much imo.
i take no issue with your opinion on not respecting perry’s product. i don’t understand how you seemingly have no tolerance for those who consume/enjoy his products or the audience he caters to. do they have any less right to be entertained in ways that they deem funny than u do? so much so that you’d rather they don’t exist? what is it about their existence that bothers you so?
just curious…
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Reply #FAIL
Cheekz != Streetz
carry on
#noshots
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clsmoove Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:43 am
lol, my bad. :-/
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
It’s that dayum letter “Z”. lol
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I AM NOT STREETZ!
lol…
its not that I want the people to die. I just want them to be smart. If after you watch different type of movies, watch a few film festivals, talk to people who study film making.. after you learn to look at what his critics are looking at….
than you still get a kick out of TP, fine. I just don’t think some people know what a good movie is. A wise man named Gunz and Butter once told me, you have to listen to the music you hate to understand music you love. I’m just trying to show people the quality of a film like Juno (ONE OF MY ALLTIME FAVORITE COMEDIES) before they can judge TP. Its not the people I want to eradicate, just the lack of knowledge.
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LoudPen Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Cheekz, you want Southern Black folk (majority of TP’s fan base) to do homework so that they can better judge a film? So…basically, you’re saying that they are not currently smart enough to accurately assess a film…the way you can?
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
YES.
IMHO, I think the majority of people who watch TP movies think a protagonist is a kind of deli meat.
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LoudPen Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Let’s agree to disagree. I’ve lost my zest for debate.
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Tyler Perry films suck. I agree with S dubya. I also, like Reecie, chose to no longer belabor the point. People either really like him or really hate him. I just feel like the QUALITY of his work is nada. House of payne is the worst creation in black sitcom history. Anyone who thinks otherwise, i can’t cosign on your tv acumen at all!
Black man get your money, but don’t front like what you put out are masterpieces. His “Hood Titanics’ may please some of our people, but not everyone. Not me.
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“What I think is unfortunate is that black people want to go to see a black film and immediately find themselves in it and when they don’t, it’s coonery, buffoonery and not worth anything”
@ASmith summed up my thoughts on Tyler Perry debate so well. Black people are so damn stank sometimes.
People talk about Spike doing this and that, but forget that he was not immediately coveted as this A-Mazing film dude either. John Singleton was no different. Both men got heat, both men did what people called “stereotyping” and “coonery” in their films too.
I see the argument about the quality of Mr. Perry’s films. I’ll give yall that. The writing is on the weaker side…plots are a bit redundant. Not saying you gotta support the man because he’s black, but just put it all in context. Spike and John have been doing this is for decades. Their crafts are fine tuned. But they didnt start out that way, nor were they sans criticism that arguably has made their work stronger over time.
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Seattle, thank you for this post. I am a Perry fan, but, I appreciate your assessment. You made a great point, by stating that you are not from the South and that you can’t relate to that experience. Which is exactly why this whole debate is soo pointless to me.
Spike has a right to his opinion, but, if he really wanted to change something, he should’ve stepped to TP directly. At the same token, TP needs to go holla at Spike. If they have a problem with one another they need to discuss it in private like grown men.
I love TP’s work & respect Spike’s, which is why I don’t feel like either is better than the other. It is simply what you like & chose to identify with. I personally prefer to watch TP b/c I can relate more, BUT, that doesn’t make it better than Spike’s. It means that I LIKE it better b/c I see myself in some of his characters.
At the end of the day, Spike put more salt on the Black community with his comments. I blame Spike b/c he was the first prominent Black person to “call Tyler out” & he’s a fellow filmmaker. He put more salt on the Black community b/c he said that Tyler’s work is wrong, which I feel is untrue b/c Tyler is simply seeking to represent what he has experienced.
In essence, Spike & TP need to squash the beef b/c ppl. have already begun to choose sides & it shouldn’t be that way. You should be able to watch both men’s work and decide which one you like better…as I have done.
They are both Black male directors seeking to portray an aspect of the Black experience…keep in mind I said, ASPECT meaning there is more than ONE Black experience. The sooner we stop putting ourselves into a box & waiting for one Black director to portray everything we have gone through, the sooner we will get out of it.
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I agree that Tyler Perry’s movies have very little cinema quality as far as the art is concerned: acting, writing, directing, cinematography, etc. I do feel like we come down hard on him, considering none of us have anything to contribute to the world of movie-making. I also think sometimes its nice to take a break from all the “great” movies that come out these days that I think suck asscheekz. Its like the songs on the radio that are mindless and allow us a moment to escape our own boring lives. I.e. Solja boy, gucci mane. They take us back too but ppl don’t complain (too much).
I think black ppl just like to see themselves in a somewhat positive light (rather than on the news) even if it is buffoonery. I do think the line gets crossed a bit from time to time, but for the most part, its just comedic relief from peoples’ generally dramatic lives (usually portrayed in the movies).
But if you want to see an example where he went too far, and where he does take us back with his minstrel show, see “Meet the Browns.” I wrote a blog about it back in April 08:
http://www.aloneinatlanta.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html
Hope that works.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:50 am
“considering none of us have anything to contribute to the world of movie-making. ”
what about what you did with your WebCam on Ustream last night?
That was art to me…
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Dear Joey,
*iDied* when i read your name…
Speaking from the beyond,
Miss Jenkins
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Okay, can we talk about the actors?
What really grinds my gears the most is that some of the best actors/entertainers/etc. of our time have fallen into the hype boobie trap! What pisses me off royally is to see the likes of:
-Kathy Bates
-Alfre Woodard
-Angela Bassett
-Cecily Tyson
-Gladys Knight
-Maya Angelou
-Keishia Knight Pulliam (LMAO…jaykay jaykay)
-Louis Gossett, Jr.
When I see these people in TP films for the first time, I cringe on some “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! NO, CECILY, NOOOOOOO!!!” It’s when I see these great actors in his films that I simultaneously cry in disappointment and hope for a miracle that just maybe they can carry the film despite TP’s proneness for destruction.
In the same token, though, I think some of TP’s strongest films are the ones with the strongest cast. Why Did I Get Married, Daddy’s Little Girls, and The Family that Preys (enh) are among his best, in my opinion. The people in these casts saved his arse. It also seems that any film Madea is NOT moves me the most. And any stageplay Madea is NOT in…I am less likely to pay to see.
JS (jus sayin).
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sweetpetite Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
me too. *sigh*
I guess some work is no better than no work.
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Tom Cruise did Tropic Thunder…
Why is it such a big deal that black actors are supporting a black producer?
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Am I the only one who doesn’t think Tom Cruise is that great of an actor? He was a “movie star”, yes, but a great actor? Meh. Frankly, the only emotion he can master is “intense”. Kinda like how the only emotion Keanu Reeves can master is “O_O”.
Also, Tropic Thunder was the bizness.
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
**DEAD**
**Respawning in 3…2…1***
LMAO Damn keanu..
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Tropic Thunder was hilarious. And I agree with Cheekie…Tom Cruise is not that great of an actor. “You…com…plete…me.” Ugh! Go saddown.
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
*high five*
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Tropic Thunder was funny…
Tom has done sensitive a couple of times.
The Last Samurai
Vanilla Sky
Rain Man
Magnolia
But more over than not yall are right. He got famous by being the star and big action movies that didn’t require amazing acting chops. But the movies were good.
Interview with the Vampire! Top Gun!
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I think Tropic Thunder was crap with the exception of Robert Downey Jr. but it was also full of Stereotypes and Tom Cruise played a stereotypical role. Which is why I made the point with him. I actually don’t think Tom Cruise is a great actor, just a big name actor, like Brad Pitt.
Why are we Condeming black actors for doing what White actors do everyday?
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ASmith Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I will say, I’ve been trying to figure out how TP has such pull with these great actors. They need checks, I guess.
We in a recession.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I have seen Cuba Gooding Jr, an Oscar winner, is a street to DVD BET weekday hood movie.
Black actors have alot of free time. Its not hard to book them, only the elite like Denzel and Will Smith can pick and choose. The rest seem to take what they are offered.
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Yo I really don’t think it’s about them strugglin. These people genuinely and truly support Tyler Perry’s movement. They’re down for the cause. I don’t think they’re doing it for work; I think they’re doing it to support a brotha who, seemingly, has an agenda to further our people and break barriers. (Note: I said that’s his agenda on the surface, not that he’s achieved it.)
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I agree with you. and I think they feel that its ok to dumb it down a bit for a feel good story–even if their characters/roles arent gonna be developed well.
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Renee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Okay, I agree with this 100%
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MaPockets Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
nope. still disagree. seeing Angela Bassett attempt to deliver that awful script…was painful. I’d rather not look like less than I really could be…on camera…just to hep a brotha out. No thanks! Sure, TP, I’ll be in your movie under one condition…let me direct myself and let me rewrite my lines. Pls&thx.
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Cosigning to your post…inadequate writing and tired subject matter…TP’s movies are mediocre at best.
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My problem with Tyler Perry is that his characters are so over the top, at times unrealistic and just too much sometimes. He says he wants to get people to talk about the tough issues. Well why does every character have to have 12 issues. His movies are all over the place and most times it’s like watching 2 separate movies. Of course maybe I am too critical like my family says. Just an English/Film major’s opinion.
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I like Tyler Perry for the same reason I like Mary J. Blige. Mary does not technically have the best singing voice. Hell, there are songs where she literally shouts and screams, but I’ll be damned if I don’t FEEL the intent and emotion behind even some of Mary’s flattest notes. But that’s me. While I appreciate artistry, I’m more likely to gravitate towards that which I connect with on an emotional level.
I don’t like ALL TP films (I didn’t care much for Meet the Browns). But I’ve watched the majority of them on more than one occasion. Why? Because the stories being told are stories that I can relate to and FEEL. Hell, I’ve seen Diary of a Mad Black Woman 80 times and I’ll be damned if I don’t bawl like a baby every time I watch the final church scene. Is it typical? Kinda. Melodramatic? Yup. But it was scripted specifically to draw an emotional response. Mission accomplished.
There is a niche market for these films. And before Tyler Perry started making movies, these stories weren’t being told at all. The fact that it’s not your particular story does not take away its validity. Just means that’s not your experience.
In the end, people are going to like what they like. Not liking TP doesn’t make one “bourgeois” anymore than enjoying them makes me a “coon.” Different strokes for different folks. Spike has the right to feel how he feels just as TP has the right to defend himself. I just say, everything ain’t for everybody.
I’m sure this point has been made but I felt like adding my two cents anyway.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:59 am
And it’s much appreciated.
“Not liking TP doesn’t make one ‘bourgeois’ anymore than enjoying them makes me a ‘coon.’ Different strokes for different folks.”
Word. Now pass me my pomegranate lemonade while I watch BBC.
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“It may be entertaining, but it isn’t great, it isn’t awe-inspiring and it isn’t pushing limits.”
This is me. I can enjoy his movies and laugh at some moments, but genius his work is not.
The MAIN problem I have with his films are the over-the-topness of his villians. I know he comes from a theatre background and is thus, dramatic, but as a screenwriter myself (minus the money), I respect folks that take a CHALLENGE and make their villians at lease somewhat human. Give them a redeeming quality in SOME way. Make it hard for the audience to 100% hate them.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I thought that was the major flaw on Glorious Bastards… at the end of the movie you start to feel bad for Nazis.
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Cheekie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I didn’t see the film (though folks were saying they liked it because it portrayed Jews as the tough guys) but I have immense respect for someone who can make the most loathing creature…actually tolerable and/or sympathetic. THAT is writing. It’s easy to make a villian plain ol’ evil.
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Reecie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I sure didn’t feel bad for them. lol. That was a great movie too, btw.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
can’t front .. I did like the movie.
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OrangeStar616 Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I feel you on that Cheekie, I think thats why so many of us LOVE super hero flicks and characters…because they always convey the human side, the good if you will in the villains, and how the villians and heroes interchange depending on where you are standing……no one is ALL good or ALL bad, there are no absolutes in humanity.
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My problem with Senor Perry are as follows:
1. If I see you in a dress more than I see you in men’s clothing, you get an automatic o_O. And of the times I have seen him in men’s clothes, he makes it seem like the women’s clothes are fitting. I’m not a phobe or anything, but frequent crossing dressing makes me wonder. (Grandmama anyone?) Badman nuh dress like guurrrrllll.
2. TP seems have something against certain ilks of brothers. Is it just me or does it seem like every “villian” in his movies is a successful, rich brother who’s wife/ex-wife ends up being saved by a handsome broke n*cca? I’m not hating, cuz rich or poor, a sorry excuse for a man is a sorry excuse for a man. But everytime I turn around, either Madea is pullin a pistol on an innocent spanish chick or encouraging people to throw hot rice on a nucca. Damn son.
Now in his slight defense, I actually had a convo just yesterday w/ a friend who is in theater that was telling me it’s very hard for some actors to make the transition from screen to theater and vice versa. While it doesnt seem from box office numbers that he has a problem translating it successfully, his stories may seem a bit sophomoric because he’s a theater cat and while it’s the same general idea, there enough differences for a problem to arise.
Cheekz raised a good point, this isnt talented tenth material and story lines. While many of us may have grew up w/ that experience or currently live some form it (I stay gettin faded on my front “porch”) that’s not where we are at in life right now. Just like Portland, I havent been to a church in a while and I am convinced that if I do go back, the ground will open and swallow me whole.
All that being said, most of TP’s movies come off to me as him being Captain Save a Ho reporting live from the Haven for Ho’s institute.
And eff Cecile Tyson for shakin her head @ the cats in the one movie that were shootin dice. I dont give a good gatdamn how successful I become, please believe I will still catch me a game of cee lo ignantly screamin “THAT’S WHY THE CALL ME TRIP, B*TCH!!!!”
random side note: The Redskins suck.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
No one cares what your problem with him is.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, BCC me Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I see someone forgot to drink their glass of shut the f*ck up this morning.
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N.I.A. naturally Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
and it was hot grits, not rice. I don’t think throwing hot rice would leave a lasting impression like hot grits…
I don’t think he has anything against the white-collar brother. I think he’s pointing out that just b/c he looks good on paper, doesn’t mean he’s a good man.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
“I think he’s pointing out that just b/c he looks good on paper, doesn’t mean he’s a good man.”
over and over and over and over again.
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yo, this for my N.I.A., though, special delivery.... Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
LOL… yes, ’tis is true. However, relationship blogs, a lot of them written by men, tell women the same thing(along with other things)… over and over and over and over again. #justsayin’
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
#shotsfired
maybe we say the same things because u chicks dont listen?
olol
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yo, this for my N.I.A., though, special delivery.... Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
lol. no shots, Streetz. I promise…
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Ok, I’ve finally read through all of the comments, and a few people have made excellent points. I have a lot to say, and not a lot of time to say it, so I’m going to post something I wrote after TP’s BiA2 piece on CNN…
July 24, 2009…
“idk, i think his professional story is pretty darn great. rejected by Hollywood, then decides to have his OWN studio, so he can do his OWN stuff… hiring black actors, writers, producers, directors, marketing people, PR people…and basically putting himself in a position to do more and better than House of Payne in the future. Ownership…something we should stress in the black community. How many writers have allowed Hollywood to change their stories so they can fit mainstream America? b/c we all know black people aren’t mainstream…or american (despite what CNN says). I have an example of one, but I’m sure there are more… http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/news/moving_america_news/5992
idk, we give TP a hard time b/c of his content…but right now, he is doing more for blacks in the industry than anyone else in the industry. i just pray he doesn’t cast Beyonce in anything that requires her to speak….”
Now, I agree that the writing, plot, and character development lacks depth, but so what!! The say way I can listen to Gucci and Outkast, I can watch Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Malcolm X (good gawd Denzel was fine in that movie!!). Now, those are 2 extremes, but you get what I’m saying. And the truth is, the people criticizing TP have probably watched some garbage movies, and they enjoy them. I say, live and let live. And get over yourself!!
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Streetztalk Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Nia,
Thank you for this perspective. I never thought about it like that before, and i cosign.
I just hate it that his prodcution company can’ have more subject matter than “typical black comedy’. I LOVE TBC, but I mean, I hope that his endeavors help him to expand the genre of entertainment that hes putting out. I just like my people to be known for a lot more…
at the same time, its his niche, hes successful, and he’s employing us, so i respect his hustle, but call a spade a spade when it comes to his work.
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Question why is it the worse thing in the world for a man to wear a dress?
TP ain’t the only one. See below:
Black guys: Martin Lawerence, Jamie Foxx, Wesley Snipes, Flip Wilson
White guys: Patrick Swayze, Robin Williams, John Travolta
Does it make a man less of a man if he wears drag? I really want to know y’all…I mean I’m a TP fan but, it seems that we are very stuck on strict gender roles. I myself at times think TP’s gay for dressing as Madea, but, that is neither here nor there.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I dont have a problem with him in a dress. I’m sure he likes the breeze ….
I have a problem with people who are entertained by a man in a dress.
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LoudPen Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
So you weren’t entertained by any of the men I listed in a dress? Not even Martin as Sheneneh? Foxx as Wanda? Williams as Doubtfire? Travolta in Hairspray?Really?
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I’ll admit it.. I was turned on a little by Wanda.
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LoudPen Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Yes, the Power of the Pen has gotten it out of you! *Tries celebratory dance but Penny dances like a white girl*
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I am from the south and I graduated from college with honors. I currently work at the university level. I feel the same way about people downing Tyler Perry’s movies like people down Gucci Mane by saying his music isn’t real music. Who are we to say what is “real music” or who are we to say Tyler Perry’s movies are for slow southerners.
I have read alot CHeeKZ’s comments and personally think they are some of the most unintelligent things I have ever heard but I am not going to knock him for it.
I am a fan of seeing a man in a dress but I will say his movies make some people feel good, laugh, cry and whatever else. In the end of the day there is a section of the population that likes his work and that doesn’t mean those people are not intelligent. It seems the most stuck up people in the world are black people with degrees. It’s actually a damn shame.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I am not going to sway any TP fans by throwing out insults.
But lets start pulling out degrees and SAT scores.
You could be a Klan member and still graduate from Oxford.
“his movies make some people feel good, laugh, cry and whatever else”
So does Jerry Springer… that doesn’t mean his work isn’t dumbing down the population. It has nothing to do with degrees or experts. Its mindless toilet humor.
I know its an ugly truth and it hurts people to say. But people are stupid. You jsut have to face it. I am not saying everyone is stupid in everything compared to me. That would be ignorant. I’m stupid when it comes to …wine. I know nothing about how it suppose to sound or suppose to taste. I just open my mouth and shallow. If I say a wine is good, that doesn’t mean the wine is actually good. It just means I am enjoying it. Same with Gucci fans. Sure you might enjoy it… but don’t expect the grammies to call you for an opinion.
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As a man, I cannot respect any man that would dress up in women’s clothing for any reason. That is just not manly. When Wesley Snipes did it “To Wan Fu”, that wasn’t manly. When Flip Wilson did it, it wasn’t manly.
Dammit men, man up. Skinny jeans aren’t manly either.
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I’m SO DAMN GLAD somebody said something about this because I FEEL THE SAME EXACT WAY!
I don’t see the comedy in his movies. Especially in the really ghetto over-done ones.
I will honestly say that the only movie that I actually liked that he did was “why did I get married”. I thought that was the best one he EVER created.
I even tried to watch “house of payne” & I swear that show needs to be cancelled. Where is the comedy? I laught harder at kings of queens even at moments when it’s NOT funny, so what makes “house of payne” so comical?
I just can’t take it. Like you stated, yes he found his “niche” & created wealth from it, but it really makes me think who is supporting him more: ignorant ghetto black people, or the black people who find his work offensive?
I strongly doubt it’s the latter, so with that said, I hope he starts making more movies with substance like “why did I get married’. But then again, I am not a fan now & I doubt I will ever be.
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Ok. So I’m not an expert on films or anything but isn’t Tyler Perry firstly known for his plays? And regardless of the director, what movie equals or surpasses it’s original written form (book or play)? NONE.
From what I understand, his plays do have some depth but any movie version would be dumbed down.
Also, I dislike the idea that everything “black” has to be either serious 100% or coonish 100% of the time. There is the constant reinforcement of negative african-american images but can’t something just be racially neutral? Like wtf… Like SAW. When you watch that, you’re not looking for racial images that may present, you’re scared/disgusted out your mind and that is all.
Personally, I watch a movie to be entertained sometimes. I love documentaries, but I don’t need every movie by a black director to be about the “struggle” since I been through that ish. Seriously… Nothing extra all the time. Sometimes I want to watch something stupid and silly then at other times something dead serious. That’s just me though…
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I’m sorry but something about using the movie SAW as an example made me laugh. I’ll 1-up you and say it’s like watching Hostel and being like “No Black people get bodied up in this b*tch?!”
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Hmmm…
So I’ve been laying low lately but after I had the distinct DISPLEASURE of meeting Ty-Ty the DIVO, I never skip an opportunity to express my distaste for him.
I signed a confidentiality agreement so I can only say but so much so you’ll have to read between the lines a bit…
I worked at an award show recently that rewarded small business owners for doing good work in their community. The above mentioned “Divo” was a celebrity presenter at said awards. Now the point of this whole event was the everyday ppl were the celebs, but apparently he didn’t get the memo. He had all sorts of extra demands and wouldn’t confirm he would attend the event until all demands were met. This went on until the night before the show.
He had an extensive rider with several beverages all of which we found except for Diet Cherry 7-Up. Now the show was what… 2hrs long? He had water, juice, and two other types of soda so we figured… YOU GOOD! This is a charity event of sorts, SURELY it wouldn’t be that big of a deal?… WRONG! About an hour into the show this mofo is going off because we didn’t have his Diet Cherry 7-Up. After he gives his award, we get word in the press room that we have to make sure everyone in the room is seated at all times while he is in the room…
… o_O …
Now, I get that you worked hard to get to where you are at, but that doesn’t give you the right to be extra arrogant and an asshole. Everyone who had to come into contact with him, or his “people”, in person or by phone, were just too through with him.
That being said… I’ve met Spike Lee on a few occasions and he’s a jerk. If I could, I’d throw a shoe at him.
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ASmith Reply:
October 31st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I’ve heard this about Tyler. My BFF is from New Orleans and he’s met/run into Tyler many-a-time.
While he won’t knock what TP has accomplished, or even debate whether or not his movies are good, for the longest he refused to patronize his movies on GP, cause he didn’t (still doesn’t) like the dude.
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Well you can all go to hell haters all yall are jealous cause yall barely gettin by with no money and he’s living your dreams so yeah continue liking spikes movies which i haven’t seen in years (is he even still alive what happend to him) exactly
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Slim Jackson Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Dear James,
Thanks for stopping by 3 Ways, getting riled up, and leaving a comment. Unfortunately there are thousands upon thousands who feel this way and I highly doubt we’re all broke.
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Ok so I am very late (traveling in an internet free africa) but I had to say- Seattle, you could not be more right.
I can’t stand his work since the first play I saw a gazzilion years ago- I was with a group of friends that were rollin’ in their seats and loving every minute of it but I couldn’t even crack a fake smile- to each their own I suppose- but we all must know that he is able to make as much money as he does because it is coonery for some and just simple humor to others….simple being the key word there.
great piece, thank you.
And thank James for making me laugh out loud!
jabulile
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