This has always been one of my favorite Perry films. Yes. The melodramatics are present as always, but this movie has a quite a bit of heart. Tyler Perry is genuine in his approach, and he has something heavy to say as usual. I thought Tyler Perry did a really good job at exploring issues between two different families, but also make sure not to completely impede progress either. He delivers a great mix of humor & emotional drama. I do have a couple of carps. I felt the affair storyline between Andrea & William was a tad underdeveloped. I get that the point it was trying to serve was that both, Andrea & William are superficial people, but it didn't connect as powerfully as Tyler Perry intended it too. It came across as shallow and shoddily written. Both did excellent jobs on their respective characters (More on them in a bit) but the affair was awfully forgettable. I also thought the slow build towards Andrea's devious personality was pointless. It's obvious from the outset that she's heinous. Other than that, I don't really have all that much to complain about. The entire cast is solid, but it's the balance between the two best friends (Alfre Woodard & Kathy Bates) that really makes this film work.
Alfre Woodard could have been potentially annoying with her deep religious beliefs, but her pure heart and her likability managed to negate that potential hindrance. She was a great old gal, and one who wasn't afraid to try controversial things, even if it was against her beliefs. Kathy Bates is fantastic, but you should already know that by now. She is as classy as they come. I loved how her character would alternate from superior confidence to drastic vulnerability, due to her predicament. The journey she & Alfre go on is an absolute blast to watch with many funny moments that stood out. It was also a great contrast in personalities, Bates being the rich woman who has it all, and Alfre being the relatively poor black woman. Sanaa Lathan plays the evil woman to a T. She is honestly despicable, and did her job way too well to the point where I hated her. Kadee Strickland is very good, but her character was a bit of a weakling for me, but I did feel bad for her. Cole Hauser plays a conceited prick very well. You'll be dying to see him get his comeuppance. His relationship with his mother in this movie (Kathy Bates) was very realistic. People like Tyler Perry & Taraji P. Henson & others don't have as much to do, but they do solid in their respective parts. There are so many story lines that entwine with each other in this movie. I felt the movie did a really good job of making you think, and telling you that past suffering is not productive to your potential future success. It does a very thorough probe on dreams and greed. I felt Perry did excellent at both of them
Final Thoughts: Some Tyler Perry films are overwrought with melodrama. Tyler is quite capable of making thought provoking films that stick with you. He's done a few now, and this is one of them. Ignore the low rating. It's a good movie
7.3/10
Alfre Woodard could have been potentially annoying with her deep religious beliefs, but her pure heart and her likability managed to negate that potential hindrance. She was a great old gal, and one who wasn't afraid to try controversial things, even if it was against her beliefs. Kathy Bates is fantastic, but you should already know that by now. She is as classy as they come. I loved how her character would alternate from superior confidence to drastic vulnerability, due to her predicament. The journey she & Alfre go on is an absolute blast to watch with many funny moments that stood out. It was also a great contrast in personalities, Bates being the rich woman who has it all, and Alfre being the relatively poor black woman. Sanaa Lathan plays the evil woman to a T. She is honestly despicable, and did her job way too well to the point where I hated her. Kadee Strickland is very good, but her character was a bit of a weakling for me, but I did feel bad for her. Cole Hauser plays a conceited prick very well. You'll be dying to see him get his comeuppance. His relationship with his mother in this movie (Kathy Bates) was very realistic. People like Tyler Perry & Taraji P. Henson & others don't have as much to do, but they do solid in their respective parts. There are so many story lines that entwine with each other in this movie. I felt the movie did a really good job of making you think, and telling you that past suffering is not productive to your potential future success. It does a very thorough probe on dreams and greed. I felt Perry did excellent at both of them
Final Thoughts: Some Tyler Perry films are overwrought with melodrama. Tyler is quite capable of making thought provoking films that stick with you. He's done a few now, and this is one of them. Ignore the low rating. It's a good movie
7.3/10