Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family offers a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, resonating with audiences through its portrayal of family dynamics and relatable struggles. While the film shares thematic parallels with real-life experiences, particularly concerning family and health challenges, it also exemplifies Perry’s signature storytelling style, which, while popular, often invites critical examination. This review delves into the movie’s narrative, characters, and themes, exploring both its strengths and the aspects that align with common critiques of Perry’s work.
The film centers around Shirley, portrayed by Loretta Devine, who faces a recurrence of cancer after seven years in remission. Her desire to gather her family for dinner to share this difficult news is consistently thwarted by the self-absorbed behaviors of her children and their spouses. This initial setup, reminiscent of the film The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, highlights the comedic absurdity of family dysfunction. Enter Madea, played by Tyler Perry himself, who takes matters into her own hands, employing her forceful personality and signature threats to ensure the family comes together for Shirley’s sake. This intervention sets the stage for a story that balances serious themes with Perry’s characteristic comedic approach.
Drawing from personal experiences, as the reviewer notes a connection to their own mother’s battle with a similar illness, the film’s handling of Shirley’s health issues is presented as sincere, aiming to connect with a broad audience on an emotional level. Even when characters lean towards archetypes, particularly Shannon Kane’s portrayal of the ungrateful Kimberly, the underlying sincerity in addressing family drama remains evident. A significant parallel narrative thread revolves around Madea’s crusade against disrespect, targeting both youthful impudence and the negative cycles of behavior passed down through ineffective parenting.
Perry’s comedic style is immediately established in an opening scene where Madea, angered by a drive-thru worker’s lack of attention, drives her car directly through the fast-food restaurant. This Terminator-esque moment exemplifies Madea’s over-the-top reactions and sets the tone for the film’s humor. While Madea’s antics have been criticized as selfish in past films like Madea Goes to Jail, here, her assertiveness is channeled towards a more righteous purpose, serving as a form of blunt justice. The humor, often bordering on slapstick, also incorporates moments of self-deprecation, such as Madea’s appearance on the Maury talk show. Whether dispensing tough love to unruly youngsters or offering unfiltered advice to her relatives, Madea’s approach, though abrasive, often delivers a form of common-sense wisdom, presented as a necessary corrective to a self-centered society.
In conclusion, Madea’s Big Happy Family encapsulates the typical Tyler Perry movie experience. It blends poignant family drama with broad comedy, anchored by the larger-than-life persona of Madea. While the storytelling may lack subtlety and occasionally rely on stereotypes, the film’s heart and sincere engagement with themes of family, respect, and resilience offer a connection with its intended audience. For viewers seeking a movie that combines laughter with relatable family struggles, Tyler Perry’s Big Happy Family delivers a quintessential Madea experience.
Score:
Cast: Tyler Perry, Bow Wow, Lauren London, Loretta Devine, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Cassi Davis, Shannon Kane, Isaiah Mustafa, Natalie Desselle-Reid, Rodney Perry, Teyana Taylor, Philip Anthony-Rodriguez
Director: Tyler Perry
Screenwriter: Tyler Perry
Distributor: Lionsgate
Running Time: 124 min
Rating: PG-13
Year: 2011
Buy: Video, Book
If you appreciate insightful film reviews, consider supporting publications like Slant Magazine. Your support helps keep independent film criticism accessible and free. You can contribute through Patreon or make a donation.
