YOUR COMMENT
culture surfing blog
Wes Anderson creates another quirky, self-contained world
7:00 AM
John Hillcoat's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's spare work proves emotionally monochromatic
10:00 AM
The post-Katrina, coke-addict cop drama doesn't open in Atlanta until December 4.
12:28 PM
Parents travel to Mongolia to improve their 5-year-old's ills
6:35 PM
more culture surfing
Most Recent Comments
Comment on Bad Lieutenant maybe really bad in a good way or vice-versa by Debbie Michaud
RESPECT THE CAGE! Oh yeah. I will be seeing this. [...]
Comment on Hollywood Product: The Twilight Saga: New Moon by buddans
yeah, i am thinking The twilight saga:new moon is really perfect and i like to watch it again. i went with my friends to see it and actually it was nice. i love Rob Pattinson and Taylor . omg, it was really fantastic love story source http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/in-theaters/watch-the-twilight-saga-new-moon-online [...]
Movies & TV around the web
If true... let's all blame Michael Bay
www.slashfilm.com
at
10:53 AM
Really, because this movie makes no sense
www.toplessrobot.com
at
10:09 AM
The James Bond of sci-fi franchises
www.variety.com
at
10:09 AM
Here are ten movies in which I would rather find myself stranded than '17 Again.'
www.npr.org
at
9:11 PM
more movies & tv links
COMMENTS
Re: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Sort Comments: Most Recent | Oldest First
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by flip flop on 03.25.08 @ 11:16 PM
Ok, here's the deal.I am a black fellow and I was introduced to the "Tyler Perry" experience by my then girlfriend. She was taking me out for a surprise to go see a Madea play.Being a reasonably well-read person, I assumed that it was the greek version. You know the one with where she kills her kids. Good Stuff!! But alas, it was Tyler Perry and his band of characters. It was reasonably entertaining but I wasn't a hard core fan but I could mark it on my passport of experiences. Since that time, I have seen his empire grow with more sold out plays and film. I am still not a fan of his but I can't say his body is not valid because it is not my cup of tea. Why can't we all get Woody Allen(because we all are not manic-depressive urbanites) or all Hitchcock fans,etc. I applaud Perry for catering to his niche which for the majority is black women which shows in dollar signs their economic influence. No offense, but you obviously established a negative opinion before seeing which was partially why you were reluctant to see it in the first place so being a movie snob is one thing but rationizing why everyone has to like it is another whether it is a white or black film. Welcome to my world, I, along with some of my friends didn't get the big deal with No Country fro Old Men although we are Coen Bro Fans!! BTW, the intern Tiffany is such a cutie if she does like the movie.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by satalyte on 03.25.08 @ 08:56 PM
Black man here, and I must say WDIGM was the best Tyler Perry movie to date, though i can not really sit through any of the other movies (not plays) without being trapped into it.
WDIGM is the best type of "Tyler Perry" movie because througout all the over the top nonsensical issues dealt with, baby mommas, fat black women with low self esteem, and black pediatricians who say "i am a successful pediatrician" there was poignant dialouge in other areas that resonante loudly within the black community.
Issues with responsibility, respect, relationships, and so on. These are huge issues within the black community, and there were many points where these issues were discussed that I think showed Tyler Perry improvement.
Don't get me wrong it ain't no Love Jones or Do The Right Thing.
Daddy's Little Girls and Madea's Family Reunion are tied for the worst Tyler Perry movies.
He is a complete audience panderer and sadly our community does not mind being pandered to. I do not hate his success and am actually proud that he is doing so well, however I will not personally spend a dime on his movies (unless my date wants to see it, the only way!) until he provides a little bit more challenging material.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by jerseyboy on 03.25.08 @ 01:02 PM
Thanks you for a great article! I wish they could have given you a lot more space to really cover all the reasons why these movies are so bad. I don't see the movies as necessarily chick flicks but they seem to use the same formula to get the point across and let's not get on just Tyler Perry. He's just in the public eye because he is making more of these movies. David Talbott is another one with his plays which haven't become movies as of yet (knock wood) I love the example of how he has to spell out things. I.E. the example of when he said I'm a successful pediatrician. I was waiting for him to say "a doctor who works with kids!" I only went to the last two films because I wanted to give them a try and I realized that I can pretty much hold off on seeing anything else produced by him. It has a market as do all the really over the top plays that are on the chitlin circuit. Why do I keep choosing the wrong man when the right one walked right past me!
It’s sad that we have to have two extremes pushed at us from Hollywood. One side of the spectrum is the really bad stuff (Soul Plane) and then the other side is the over the top stuff (Tyler Perry). Somewhere in between is the really quality that never gets to see the light of day. Thanks Mr. Nouraee for getting some dialogue started with your article.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by snapster on 03.25.08 @ 12:46 PM
I must say I agree with you 100%, Andisheh. When I saw the cover of Creative Loafing I knew I HAD to read your article. I have been wondering why do I HATE the movies AND the plays. They do not interest me in the least. Somehow, I am not able to relate at all and I have been trying to figure out whether or not there is something wrong with me. I am thinking, okay...here is a successful Black man trying to portray Blacks in a positive way as far as religion, careers, making relationships work, etc. But, I think the scripts are horrible and the acting is not much better. I think the acting suffers partly because of the plot.
I did, however, give the films a chance before deciding that they definitely were not for me. I tried to sit through one of the earlier movies but I only made it about halfway through.
As a Black woman, I thought that maybe there was something wrong with me because I could not relate to ANY of his films. I could definitely sense that I should be able to but I didn't. My family and some of my friends give me a hard time saying that I should support his work. Sorry, Mr Perry...no can do...
He is definitely targeting single Black women and women who find themselves in unhealthy relationships. However, I detest the way he makes those women look. They always have extreme self-esteem issues. It is so stereotypical for the "fat" girl to be with a man that treats her like gum on the bottom of his shoe. She doesn't love herself until she loses weight and then some man has to come and help her pick up the pieces. Some of those situations (the scene that took place on the airplane) are just too far fetched.
Honestly, I do applaude Tyler Perry for being a successful business man. Apparently, I am of a small percentage of people that cannot sit through any of his work. The singing is always a plus in his plays!! I can definitely relate to the gospel music...that's about it, though...I'm like, "call me when she gets ready to hit that note...that is my song!!!"
I, too, cringe each time I step into my aunts',my mom's or my female friends' house to find yet another Madea or Tyler Perry's "something" playing on the tube.
I agree with EVERY point that you made, Mr. Nouraee!! Well said...Bravo!!
BTW...no dissing Diff'rent Strokes...it was good...back in the day...but when I try to watch the reruns now I'm like, huh? Although I would sit through a MARATHON of "whatchu talkin' bout, Willis" before I watch ONE more "Tyler Perry's Why Am I so Fat I Hate Myself Lord Save Me From My Two-Timing Husband"
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by BedSty on 03.25.08 @ 09:21 AM
Why Do Black People Flock to Tyler Perry Films? There is a healing that needs to occur in our community; Mr. Perry is no therapist, but his films are a start. Added to that, his films touch on subjects that "Hollywood" does not even consider "back page" news, let alone a subplot in a low-budget film.
Andisheh, you describe the scene on the plane being "over the top" and call Jill's character a nitwit. We see dysfunction like this on Jerry Springer, and the like. And we all have a friend who is with a loser boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse and they stay with them despite earnest pleas to drop the idiot.
And Daddy's Little Girls (3rd Perry film) was NOT a 100% chick flick. It spoke directly to the challenges that many Black men face when trying to do the right thing, but run up against "the system."
Tyler, who used to be homeless, has every right to "brand" himself. This is what Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, and even Madonna do; I say, "Brand away, baby!"
My Disclaimer: I love Tyler's movies, but dislike the plays and cringe when the ads for the television show comes on. I enjoyed, WDIGM, but it has the worse script out of Tyler's five movies.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by driven404 on 03.24.08 @ 09:54 AM
Hmm... I began reading the article curious as to what a beige man thought not sure what slots said man would check on the census (all I could come up with was El Debarge wrote an article... wonder what he's got to say?). As I read, crowds of increasingly audible roars affirmed in standing ovation why I don't like Tyler Perry movies. They ARE chick flicks. I would sit back on occasion not wanting to offend the much appreciated feminine presence and mentally change the channel: are the Braves on, what are we going to eat, I need to wash some clothes, man Vick is stupid, did I get the dry cleaning... then I transport back and pick up on the plot in no time. Yea, I wish Perry much success xyz, but man it can be a strain. I do enjoy the plays though. I was raised in the church, so I get into the singers. In between them, drinks are nice.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by VioletFemme on 03.23.08 @ 10:09 PM
As a black woman, I found myself agreeing with just about every critique that Mr. Nouraee had for Tyler Perry's films. I don't care who a film is "targeted" at bad writing and contrived plot devices should never be tolerated.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by sabertooth22 on 03.23.08 @ 05:28 AM
Wow! This is the first time I picked up a CL and had to read the cover story first. I did this because the cover story posed the same question I've asked myself as a black man. I also came to the same conclusion that Mr. Nouraee did. I can support Tyler Perry as a man, but I can't get into his movies because I'm not a woman. I have sat with black women and have been subjected to a couple of Mr. Perry's movies and was later called a "hater" and had my blackness questioned because I didn't find the movie entertaining or the least bit funny. With that being said, after reading some of the other comments it feels good that I'm not alone. Again I'd like to wish Mr. Perry well in his endeavors, but I personally just can't put my money in his pockets. Also, I'd like to thank Mr. Nouraee for a compelling article and keep up the great work on "Your War Questions Answered". Peace.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by fati diet on 03.22.08 @ 06:35 PM
I must say that I read this article because my initial response to the headline was, "duh - his movies aren't for you," and I enjoy being right. It's not strange to have a target audience. I don't understand Friends or George Clooney, but I have a good idea why. But as a Black female I don't enjoy TP movies either for all the reasons already posted - it's typical feel-good, high class Hollywood for a 'diverse' audience. But instead of hating, I'm waiting. I'm glad to see him doing well, because who knows, maybe he's building momentum so he can produce high budget challenging images of Black America. Let's just hope he starts developing his stories with as much passion as he develops his brand.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by ferdinandthebull on 03.21.08 @ 10:04 AM
I think this was a very interesting project and an enjoyable article. Thanks to all who participated, and for the chance to read these responses. Well done, Andy and CL.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by DS9Sisko on 03.20.08 @ 04:59 PM
Black man here (seems like one always has to do the racial disclaimer in these situations). Anywho, unlike almost all of my friends and associates, I LOATHE anything with Tyler Perry's name or moniker attached to it. Perhaps it is the mindnumbing manner by which he panders to his female audience. Possibly it is his cookie cutter moralism that sends mixed messages about gender roles in Black America. Mayhaps it is his refusal to do anything NEW, fresh, exciting, or challenging instead opting for the kind of head-nodding affirmation that is full of simplistic cultural signifiers and light on any remote kind of intellectual engagement. Possibly I cannot stand thelack of nuance or sophistication in anything that Mr. Perry passes off as "humor." Mayhaps I am completely turned off by Mr. Perry's incessant suggestion that Black women can be neither complete nor fulfilled unless they have "the love of a good man." Whatever it is either singularly or in any combination, Tyler Perry's work is the epitome of mediocrity and creative laziness that infects so much of what passes for Black culture today.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by lulabelle on 03.20.08 @ 12:14 AM
I think that you are right on with the point that it isn't about race so much as gender. My not quite 60 year old mother (a white woman who comes from a family living in Georgia since moving here during the time with North and South Carolina were still one) LOVES some Tyler Perry. If a Madea movie is about to drop she knows it before the actors involved in the project. She MAY see 5 movies at the theater in a year so she doesn't see just any movie. Also, she LOVES some Harlequin Romance Novels. I spent far too many hours as a child in used bookstores where romance novel fanatics trade in books on a weekly basis so as to maximize the amount of romance for the buck. My white mama is TOTALLY part of the target audience for Tyler Perry movies.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by jhaze on 03.19.08 @ 08:59 PM
every Movie isn't made for every audience. Why does he feel like he has to watch the movies. Just because he is from Atlanta and a lot of people like it?. Just as you don't want to see Tyler Perry movies, I won't watch anything Aaron Spelling produced or see the next little white chick in her corny movie debut i.e. Hanna Montana, Lidnsey Lohan, or anything that smacks of Orange County. It's just stupid to supject yourself to things that aren't made for you to enjoy.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by Terri on 03.19.08 @ 03:59 PM
I am a black women and I can't stand anything with Tyler Perry's name on it. It's too over the top and ridiculous.
RE: Andisheh Nouraee's diary of a confused beige man
Posted by clasher on 03.19.08 @ 02:48 PM
I've not seen Why Did I Get Married? But it's something that I've been interested in... until I read a plot outline. It sounds like an updated, black version of Alan Alda and Carol Burnett's 1981 movie (written, directed, acted in by Alan Alda, can someone see a connection here?) The Four Seasons. It's about three couples who go on vacation once a week. Now, it covers four vacations instead of just one, but one couple is the successful pair (Alan Alda and Carol Burnett), one couple has the cheating husband and overweight, ditzy wife (they actually get divorced, and he starts bringing his mistress to the vacations), and the final couple's biggest issue is that he's a bit of a loser and she blames everything on her being Italian. I recognize that Tyler Perry's movie isn't exactly the same, but...Is Tyler Perry just ripping The Four Seasons off? And is he doing it with bad dialogue and under-developed characters aimed at a very limited audience?