It’s a Pleasure to ‘Meet the Browns’

By Hallie Woodward

Brenda, played by Angela Bassett, is a single mom living in the inner city of Chicago. She struggles to pay her bills, keep a roof over her family members’ heads and raise her three children to live life right. She works hard.

Then, without any warning, Brenda is laid off from her job. She feels hopeless and despondent. She’s scared.

A letter arrives in the mail. She finds out that her father, a man she never knew, has died. Without a job and unable to provide for her family, Brenda takes her three children to Georgia, where the funeral will be held. She wonders if her father’s family will help her.

Once she gets to the South, she meets her father’s relatives, the Browns. And what a family it is. Madea and Joe are back on the big screen and, as always, are larger than life.

Tyler Perry continues to enchant us with his tales of “being in a family.” He continues to amuse us with his slapstick comedy and family “insider” jokes.

It’s crass, but fun. It’s honest, but hilarious. Once again, the older relatives pass down wisdom within their bickering, complaining and gossiping to the younger generations.

Perry is a triple threat who continues to amaze us with his talents. His performances of Joe and Madea are spectacular. Of course, don’t forget he also is the successful writer and director of this film. Tyler Perry truly is a one of a kind in Hollywood.

Bassett plays Brenda with quick wit and sharp intelligence.

Ten-year-old Chloe Bailey quickly captivates the audience, just as she did in her role as Little Lily in 2003′s “The Fighting Temptations.”

Of course, Rick Fox plays the handsome hunk Harry, the love interest. He is easily recognizable from his role as Dwayne in television’s “Ugly Betty” series and his role as Daunte in television’s “One Tree Hill.”

Tamela Mann resurrects her role as Cora, from “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” and David Mann reprises his role as Leroy Brown (“Madea’s Family Reunion.”)

Just like Perry’s previous films, this one does not disappoint his fans. The love and laughter are contagious. The story is realistic and sweet, despite a fairy tale-like ending. The filming of Chicago’s elevated trains, surrounding neighborhoods and cityscapes is superbly done.

You can count on Perry to give an entertaining, heartwarming tale. With “Meet the Browns,” he has succeeded again.

Hallie Woodward of Olive Branch is a student at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Her movie grading system: A=Awesome, excellent; B=Better than average; C=Considerably average; D=Desperately staring at exit; F=Flunked, hoping for fire alarm to go off.

——————–

Meet the Browns

Distributor: Lionsgate

Director and writer: Tyler Perry

Cast: Tyler Perry, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Angela Bassett, Lance Gross, Chloe Bailey, Mariana Tolbert, Rick Fox

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Rating: PG 13 for drug content, language including sexual references, thematic elements and brief violence

Running time: 100 minutes

Grade: B

——————–

Originally published by Hallie Woodward .

(c) 2008 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.