In 2001, Tyler Perry opened a play titled, Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The story centers around a woman named, Helen who gets kicked out of her mansion by her husband. Taking advice from her grandmother Madea, Helen steps up to herself. Four Year Later, Tyler adapted his play on the big screen.
Released in 2005, (same year Gorillaz’ second album Demon Dayz came out) the movie earned negative reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Although a critical flop, it made enough money at the box office. Diary of a Mad Black Woman spawned series of movies based on Madea plays spanning a total of eleven sequels from 2006-2022. Thanks to Madea, Tyler became one of the richest people in Hollywood worth $1 billion, opened his own movie studio in Atlanta and ultimately went home with a “Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award” for his charitable efforts.
If you’re somewhat curious on trying out the Madea series, there will be spoilers listed.
Happy & Sad Qualities
Happy: Tyler Perry did a good job for his performance as Brian.
The rest of the cast all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues.
Prosthetic Makeup and a fatsuit transformed Tyler into Madea & Joe. He’s inspired by Robbin Williams in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Eddie Murphy in “The Nutty Professor” & Martin Lawrence in “Big Momma’s House.”
The movie’s set in 2003. The year “Oldboy” came out.
Judge Maybelline makes a brief appearance sentencing Madea on house arrest.
The best part is when everybody dances..
Bloopers are better than the entire movie.
Sad: Although Tyler did ok as Brian, his performances as Madea & Joe didn’t fit in the dramedy territory. Both the play and movie sink like the “Titanic.”
I didn’t laugh at every single joke. Except for two jokes. Joe whispering to Mary Jane. “I have viagra.” I also laughed at a fart scene.m
Pacing is boring as heck. I didn’t care about every single character.
The Tone feels disjointed shifting between drama and comedy. Why? Because it doesn’t go well with a serious topic like kicking out your wife. Then, suddenly Madea pops up displaying over-the-top antics. What if Madea suddenly shows up ruining the ending from “Marley and Me?” Gonna have to Double Down this con for making me feel repulsed. No wonder Spike Lee has beef with Tyler.
Although heavily marketed in trailers and appeared on a poster, Madea’s not the titular character, it’s her granddaughter, Helen. Talk about false advertising. I thought this movie was gonna be an all-out comedy like The Nutty Professor” with nothing but visual gags and fart jokes. Turns out I was duped.
I didn’t cry when Helen & Charles forgive each other. It’s so manipulative.
The Final Verdict: D-
Diary of a Mad Black Woman is a bad start for Tyler Perry’s film career. If this movie solely relied on Helen without Madea’s involvement, Tyler could’ve earned praise for telling a serious subject on separation. If you want a proper dramedy, watch “Crazy Rich Asians.” It manages balance seriousness and comedy.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 