Written & Directed By: Tyler Perry
Cinematography By: Toyomichi Kurita
Editor: Maysie Hoy
Cast: Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Tyler Perry, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Richard T. Jones, Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Louis Gossett Jr., Cicely Tyson, Lamman Rucker
Tyler Perry's 9th film in 5 years.
The film is a incessantly sequel that seems to punish certain characters, so that it can strengthen others. When we last left off. It seemed satisfactory where they all were. Now we are back to see what has happened. It seems like a soap opera. It would have been easy to Create a new film, but here we are revisiting character we already know the history of killing what could have been a bunch of unnecessary information coming out through dialogue. It's a nice idea to see what happens after the happily ever after. Though these Are not the character we necessarily want to revisit.
I enjoyed he characters somewhat the first time around and while the first film in particular is fun to visit. There was no need for this film other then it seems to cash in on the first films success.
It's the same couples as the first films. 2 of the couples are repeating their problems for the first film. One couple in a more dramatic fashion hat adds a bit. Ore depth and lunacy to the film in the form of bitterness. The other couple more comedic which is funny time to time, but soon finds itself going way over he top for a film that presents itself so seriously most of the time and feels repetitive of not only the first film, but of itself numerous times throughout this film.
Tasha Smith is definitely the scene stealer of this film. Though her character is more outrageous then the 1st film and has the best lines. Though she becomes a cartoon character almost after awhile.
Janet Jackson struggles with her role. Though is much better here then in the precious film. It might be because here she has better material to work with here to build a performance on. Though at times he still seems a bit overwhelmed.
The other actors go through the motions and are Adequate.
In the first film, Jill Scott was in the midst of going through a divorce, just as her character was undergoing a break-up with her husband. In this one, she had just had a baby - just as her character Sheila has done in the movie
I will say at this point Tyler Perry is a true auteur. He writes his own films rarely works with material written by others and if he does usually rewrites it himself. Letting him have solo writing credit (suicide girls) you also know his film-making so that when you watch one of his films you can see his vision and know it's his work. He is like Douglas Sirk in that his films are almost interchangeable. They are overly melodramatic and predictable. Though they lack a certain subtlety.
The formula works because his brand is very successful and it brings joy to the audiences lives. Those who are looking in particular for positive stories. It also brings a certain pride to minority audiences to see themselves represented on screen and usually as successful professionals. Which unfortunately is rare in mainstream cinema. It is especially empowering seeing themselves being out on screen by someone who is the same color. Getting his film made and usually financing them himself and having the studio pay him to release them. So he is continuously in control not a slave to studio notes and interfering which is good and bad as maybe with studio notes it would force him to really look at this product and change it up. Try something new and different. Though his style works and is profitable ad he might be afraid to try so ethic different as in Hollywood minorities it seems only get a one to a few chances and if they fail there seems to be no coming back except in another field. So he tends to go with what works, but by being so insular there is no one to challenge or suggest changes. Though as what he keeps making is profitable. No one sees a problem. He is building an empire. From plays, to movies and now television.
Well, You could say his movies are insulting, but comedy has a long history of relying on stereotypes. The only problem is that since African-American stereotypes are usually presented As so negative and always have in the early 1900's when there were African Americans on screen or white actors in blackface, blacks black were made to look like buffoons. So as time has gone by, we have either accepted it or some of is still find it to be demeaning when it comes to filmmakers of similar color using them for comedic or even dramatic purposes. It's a sore subject and one that probably will never be settled. The films of Tyler Perry are usually directed to be entertainment that carry moral messages, very rarely does he do out and out comedy. Which I don't have a problem With if after awhile his movies weren't predictable with cliches as with each new film he shows no growth as a filmmaker. When it comes to his films while they have an audience, that audience rarely grows and people outside of that audience believe him to be a representative at times of African American cinema. Sure he is one of the most successful black directors, but at times people pick up on the other things like. If you are successful and strive to stay that way, you are evil. Blue collar means salt of the earth, natural as truthful. I believe Mr. Perry tried to make-up for that message with this particular series of films. While all the characters are likeable and successful. He is continuing in the right direction showing blue collar and successful can be both evil and good, trustworthy. People are people. He tries to show that the African American community is just lien any other, having internal and external troubles. We come in all different personalities and not generalizations that have been presented and believed.
This film isn't his best. It's badly shot with too many close ups. I am guessing to have that in your face factor to see every emotion in the actors faces. The film barely uses he backdrop of the Caribbean at his fingertips except for one scene. Other then that the film seems to only show the resort house and one beach. Where as he could have used he islands and it's countryside to beautify the film and open it up. Instead he film feels cheap and claustrophobic. The close ups don't help in making the film feel any grander. I had the same complaint with the film INGLORIOUS BASTERDS.
Here Mr. Perry tries to plant seeds of problems in the first half of the film. He doesn't nurture hem and let them grow subtley. Instead as soon as he second half of the film begins. We slam right into them with little to no warning, then After a twist out of nowhere the couples reconcile and get over their problems rather quickly and easily just like in the first film. Which seems to lead to then having similar problems in this film. Only because of a tragedy is it different.
In the case of Sharon Leal and Tyler Perry playing her husband. It shouldn't be as cut and dry as presented.
Now while I'm no fan of Mr. Perry's films and you know they are predictable If you have enjoyed most of his other films. You will enjoy this one. I appreciate the fact that he tries and is opening up a bunch of opportunities for minorities and creating a foothold in the industry for other minorities to follow suit. Occasionally his films surprisingly do bring a smile to my face (intentionally and unintentionally) at times they even manage to entertain me. I've seen most of them.
If you're a fan to see it, if not skip it as this isn't the film to watch as your introduction to his cinema.
Grade: D+
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