So I saw Tyler Perry's new cinematic contribution, The Family That Prey's, this weekend. I must say that I enjoyed it and a large part of that was because of Sanaa Lathan's performance. Sanaa is known for playing the good girlfriend/homegirl role in most of her films. She pushes her own envelope here by playing an ice queen with a thirst for money and power. It's like Denzel Washington's performance in Training Day where you can't believe the actor is portraying a role like this, but happy that you get to see a different side.
The film itself was pretty good with Perry making an attempt to break out of his wheelhouse and show a different side of the black experience minus some of the "preachin" and Madea antics (she does not make an appearance in the film). Perry assembles a stellar cast who do the best they can with an o.k. script and just shy of fulfilling character development. You will see things coming in this film. You will cheer and feel good at the end.
However you won't say that Tyler Perry is not making his mark in Hollywood and not asserting himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.
Kathy Bates (Academy Award winner) gives an earnest show with what she had to work with script wise. I wish the characters could have really ventured out and stretched those thespian muscles. Perry is breaking us in easy as far as a new direction in his film making. I expect him to continue to push his creativity in new directions and will be happy to follow him in the journey.
photo www.cinematical.com
All in all, the film was entertaining and it was nice to see Robin Givens back in a nice supporting role. Alfre Woodard's performance was good and Taraji P. Henson has some nice years ahead of her - with the right script to support her fiery talent. The Family That Preys may not be original and groundbreaking but Its worth the price of admission.
1 comment:
FROM WEASIEYMJ:
I haven't seen the movie yet, but it is on my bucket list, like the Sex and the City movie, which I will be purchasing today. Tyler Perry's movie was number 2 at the Blockbuster. The man who only has a GED education, but a Ph. D in directing and producing moves has come a long way for being broke and living in his car. Perseverance pays off. If you have a dream, write it down and keep looking at it and keep reminding yourself of that dream and evidentially your actions move towards making that dream a reality. Yes, it's not going to come easy by any chance, but you have to keep moving towards it....
Post a Comment