White film critics irrelevant to Madea's success?
Filed under: Comedy, New Releases, Lionsgate Films, Celebrities and Controversy, Movie Marketing, Politics
Hollywood eyes are on Tyler Perry's new film, Madea's Family Reunion, to see if the film will exceed the rather
surprising success of last year's Diary of a Mad Black Woman,
which grossed $50 million after being made for $5.5 million. Distrib Lions Gate funded Madea's to the
tune of $10 million, and there will likely be more of Perry's films to come, assuming Madea's equals
the success of its predecessor (Lions Gate acquired a seven - count 'em, seven - picture deal for the
remaining Madea films after Diary). Lions Gate is opening the film on 2,194 screens, compared to Diary's 1,483,
and has set up interviews for Perry, but did not release Madea's to press ahead of time, perhaps due to
the sound drubbing Diary received from critics.
What made Diary so unexpectedly successful? Not white people, many of whom had never even heard of Perry before Diary, even though his plays were selling out to largely black audiences. In large part, the success of Diary was Perry himself, who marketed his film to his target audience - hardworking, Christian black women - through his website, ads on black radio stations, and directly to large African-American churches. Boston Globe film critic Wesley Morris - who is black and blasted the film - found himself attacked as a racist by Perry fans, who accused him of being white.
Critic Jeffrey Wells at Hollywood Elsewhere, who saw Madea's at its premiere, has an interesting take: it doesn't matter what a bunch of white film journalists think about this film, because, like Diary, Madea's is going to be a hit with its target African-American audience regardless. Wells argues that it's "beside the point for a mildly snobby existentialist white-guy journalist" like himself to put down the film, because he is irrelevant - with the right crowd, Wells says, the film works. I can see Wells' point - that critics' opinions aren't going to matter to the target audience in this case - but does that really mean white critics shouldn't review a black film? And what would be the flip side of that coin? Would the same critics who were last year lambasted as racists for not liking Diary, be doubly skewered for not even bothering to review Madea's? I'm really not sure on which horn of this particular dilemma to impale myself.
So what do you think? Do the opinions of film critics even matter on films like Madea's? And are critics opinions relevant only if they are the same race as the film's target audience?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-25-2006 @ 10:01PM
Lynette said...
I have long been a Tyler Perry fan, having seen most of his plays and movies, and am aware that mainstream film critics often review his films negatively. To answer your question-no, a white male film critic's review will not influence my decision to see this film. I feel most of these critics are out of touch with what mainstream black america finds entertaining, therefore their opinions carry very little weight.
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2-25-2006 @ 10:15PM
Christine Hawkins said...
The opinions of film critics on Madea's matters about as much as with any type film-very little. And this goes for critics targeting same race. Now days I think film critics are still around because nobody has bothered to tell them they are mostly used for publicity. People see films because of a favorite star or have already read material about the film and decided for themselves to see it. And let's not forget a good film will sell by people talking about it. The old "Word of Mouth" is still alive.
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2-25-2006 @ 10:17PM
Neva Garrett said...
The bottom line is....Madea is simply all-out-rockin' funny! It would not matter what color, size, or even gender the character is, as long as the humor, charicature, and comical exageration is this high-quality, people are gonna knock each other down to see it. Really big, really blue-haired, really kick-butt black women really exist. Some are the kind of folk you want to avoid. Others are some of the most delightful people on Earth. Madea is pure delight. I wish she was my Grandma!
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2-26-2006 @ 12:13AM
theresa jones said...
i am a white 42 your old female and love tyler perrys plays and both movies as i just saw reunion yesterday and recamend it to many of my friends so it does matter what the white writers say i will continue to be a tyler perry fan thank you tyler keep up the good work
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2-26-2006 @ 12:45AM
Celdar said...
White film critics irrelevant to Madea's success?
I don't listen to any critics Black or White or whatever. I decide what I am going to see without anyone's opinion.
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2-26-2006 @ 1:11AM
Peter said...
You do realize the site you are reading is written by critics, right?
People that hate critics hate critics because they can actually formulate thought about film past the "I just liked it because it was the kind of movie I liked" level. The opinions of film critics, irregardless of their race, does matter.
A bad movie is still a bad movie, no matter who is watching it.
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2-26-2006 @ 9:35AM
Viewer said...
You imply that the measure of a critic's relevance is her impact on the box office. By that standard, critical reviews (and not simply white critical reviews) are irrelevant to the core audience of movies drawing on an established fanbase of any variety. You might say the same about SciFi movies - no Trekkie was ever deterred by a negative review. The critic remains a significant factor, however, in allowing a movie to expand beyond its core. Witness the fact that "Mad Black Woman" had trouble expanding its audience after it was drubbed, while "Madea" has had a significantly more succesful opening weekend. The critics were not invited to screenings precisely *because* of the likelihood that they would dismiss it as a niche film, and thereby limit its appeal.
If, however, you define your project more broadly - if the job of a critic is to reflect upon the film, the medium, and society - then a critic's job is never more relevant than with movies such as these. Tyler Perry's success has a great deal to teach us all about the state of the African-American community, the dynamics of family, and the problem of race. Even his fondness for flatulence is worth noting - it's in a comic tradition dating back to Aristophenes, mixing the high and the low, that mainstream cinema has largely abandoned. His gags draw huge audiences to plays and films that tackle serious questions, while conventionally serious productions reach only a small elite.
So if you're just a reviewer, take a pass on this one. But if you're a critic, it'd be a shame not to share your thoughts.
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2-26-2006 @ 10:26AM
E. R. said...
People does not necesarily see a movie based on critics reviews. When Whites make a comical movie it is fine, but now that a black actor is grossing millions the critics are making negative comments. That is ok Tyler just laugh yourself all the way to the bank and decide on your next movie.
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2-27-2006 @ 2:17PM
plez... said...
"Big Mama's House," "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," and "Madea-"movies in general have a built-in core audience that pays little attention to the critics. I'll be honest, I am a black man who saw "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" on DVD last year and was very disappointed by the movie. I thought it was low budget, contained marginal acting (even by the so-called stars who were in it), it wasn't very funny (it was a tragedy played out as a comedy), and the ending left ALOT to be desired. So I agree with the critics' assessment of the film.
I would be hard-pressed to spend any money on this new "Madea" movie based on my past experience and what the critics have written.
But you aren't spending my money when you go to the movies. I would think the "black community" would demand better, but if this is the kind of movie that "floats your boat", who cares what I or some "high falutin'" New York City critic or "wannabe" Hollywood critic thinks! Go get your laugh on... and let the critics continue to criticize!
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2-28-2006 @ 6:05PM
Dylan said...
Black or white.....crap is crap and America loves it.
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2-28-2006 @ 9:37PM
Kimberly said...
I agree with Lynette the critics are out of touch with not only mainstream black america but many of white america I am one. I adore Tyler Perry, have seen a play in person & own every play & dvd available. His following is appreciative of the truth. Some of it may be a generational issue but he is talented, comical & his message is right on the money. Regardless of Religion or Color Tyler Perry Gets it, has it & owns it!!!! I totally love him & his work.
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3-16-2006 @ 2:00AM
Cynthia Cooksie said...
Tyler Perry has PURE TALENT!!!! Race should NEVER be a considering FACTOR on whom SHOULD see Tyler Perry films and or plays. Either you "GET IT" or you "DON'T" Tyler Perry has set out to do what he has done for many years to a many beautiful colors (nationality) that were in the audiences throughout the world. I laughed, I cried, I was sad and I felt the need to see my family more often, overall "Mission Accomplished Tyler Perry" opinions are personal belief or judgment. Never allow an opinion cause you to MISS OUT on an OPPORTUNITY to Laughing. Tyler Perry, knows Whose child he is and where his Gifts are from. As for the negative critics opinion I challenge you to do what Tyler Perry has done for many years for a diverse audience you write, you direct, you choose your cast, in other word Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is and The Pen to the Paper.
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