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Movie Review: Meet the Browns
Clay Cane | Posted March 21, 2008 1:40 PM

No one can argue Tyler Perry hasn't cashed-in with his films, but if Meet the Browns is any indication of future projects, his money train might be coming to an end. There was some artistic redemption with 2007's Why Did I Get Married?, but now that we have Meet the Browns, which is in theaters today, it' s obvious his movies still reek of clichés, stained with predictability and riddled with unrealistic scenarios.
Perry's strengths are relying on the cultural bearings of African-Americans like soul food, basketball and slang, but this is also his biggest offense. Perry's use of cultural bearings plays on every stereotype and overused idea to makes one dimensional, soulless characters and humdrum scripts.
Meet the Browns is based on the original stage play of the same name and is the story of Brenda, played by Oscar nominee Angela Bassett, a struggling single mother of three. Her eldest son, played by the talented Lance Gross, is a basketball prodigy who is fighting the temptations of the mean Chicago streets.
Rick Fox is a basketball scout, who seeks out the skills of Brenda's eldest son, but she doesn't believe in "hoop dreams". After Brenda loses her job, her estranged father dies and, right on cue, a letter arrives with a bus ticket down South to pay her respects. Brenda and the kids go for the ride, only after the advice of her stereotypical Latin friend, played by Sofía Vergara. Side note: Vergara's character is terribly written, recalling what a white writer in the 1950s would conjure up for black characters.
Once down South, Brenda and her kids meet the Brown family, who happen to be her family. The Browns are every other black family in Perry's films: Loud, unruly, overeating, and cracking a nonstop stream of trite jokes.
Oh, and remember that basketball scout, played by Rick Fox? Well, he just happens to live in the same neighborhood as the Brown family and wouldn't you know there is a love connection between him and Brenda? He even has plans to make her son's hoop dreams come true. Chaos ensues, which includes drinking, basketball, gambling, drug dealing and eventually a storybook ending with love and money. I've seen better storylines for a 1-800-MATRESS commercial.
Meet the Browns is Tyler Perry's worst, but for reasons you may not think. Sure, most of his films, with the exception of Why Did I Get Married?, have poor writing and no originality. However, Perry makes his most costly mistake to date. Listening to the critics, he tones down the extreme religiosity. Now, that would only work if he toned down the religion and toned up a quality script, which he doesn't.
"Jesus" throughout an entire film, does not make it a good movie, but it does cater to his most profitable audience. Perry controlled the Jesus element, which will disappoint many of his fans who just want to laugh and feel sanctified--now they too will roll their eyes and be just as mortified as the critics. The veil has been removed!
In fairness, the actors try from the belly of their souls to make the script work. Poor Angela Bassett is delivering like she is on Broadway. She seems to be saying to herself, "This isn't as bad as I think! This isn't as bad as think!" Yes, Angela, it is... but someone who has embodied the spirits of characters like Tina Turner and Rosa Parks will always be perfection in my book.
There are moments when you think Jennifer Lewis' priceless character acting can save the Browns, but after just a few laughs and about thirty minutes into the film, she morphs into another Perry character with a drinking problem and a quick mouth.
Lastly, as if the audience wasn't tortured enough with implausibility, the film takes a bizarre turn with a popup of Perry's Madea and Uncle Joe character. Out of nowhere, Madea is in a police car chase. How can I describe it? Remember those mid-'90's hip-hop videos, where the music stops and there is a senseless scene of something that had nothing to do with the video? That is the best way to describe this ill-fitting Madea moment with Perry obviously relying on gimmicks.
Meet the Browns is another reincarnation of poor writing, rehearsal-like directing and good actors minimized to rubbish. I appreciate an African-American director making money and his oddball attempt at showing black people in a "positive light". Nonetheless, I am not for representation at any costs, especially when Perry relies on the most common denominator of stereotypes. Minstrel shows in the mid 20th century had the same whacked-out haphazard scenarios, disguised as "plots", as Perry's films. With the exception of blackface, Meet the Browns is no different than minstrelsy.
(Grade: D - )
Meet the Browns is in theaters today.
Clay Cane is a New York-based journalist, AOL Black Voices contributor and creator of http://www.claycane.net.
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SaiBrowne commented on Movie Review: Meet the Browns:
This movie was his worst. I hope I hope one day he realizes his audience is not just single, poor bl... -
UrbanWorldOnline commented on Movie Review: Meet the Browns:
How was the movie? E-mail us with your reviews. info@urbanworldonline.com http://urbanworldonline.... -
JSUGradnMiami commented on Movie Review: Meet the Browns:
Awful !!!! I left the theather in rage because I wasted my hard earned $10 to see this movie. After... -
VERB commented on Movie Review: Meet the Browns:
LMAO... Wow, you TP fans don't take well to others criticizing his films. Don't get testy, everyone... -
Lisa Henderson commented on Movie Review: Meet the Browns:
I saw the movie and thought is was hilarious! I have not laughed that much in a very long time. The ...



March 21, 2008 3:11 PM
Well, I'll give it an A and I haven't seen it yet but have enjoyed every movie he has made, and, will see this one this weekend, and get it when it comes out on DVD. And, after all, it has one of the greatest black actress of the day in it, Angela Basset , one who can't get roles in anything Hollywood puts out.
Give me a movie with a positive spin any day of the week, especially one that is able to keep that vile n-word out of it that every other movie with a black plot seems to feel is a good thing and a reflection of all blacks.
March 21, 2008 4:14 PM
Let's give Tyler a break (and a pat on the back)...he is a smart, successful entreprenuer who found a product that continues to sell: cheesy plays and films.
It's no more his job to use his work to uplift black people than it is asian movie executives job to only produce films that uplift people of their ethnic origin.
When will we stop placing the weight of uplifting our race on successful black people's shoulders, and start praising them for what they're doing right?
I agree that actresses like Angela Bassett and Jennifer Lewis should be showcased with better writing; HOWEVER, let's be real, large movie companies currently just aren't financing those types of films to be made...which says more about the movie industry than it says about writers like Tyler Perry who are simply writing what will sell.
If we want better black films, then we need to push Hollywood to open the door to them.
March 21, 2008 4:43 PM
I've got to agree with Clay's assessment of Tyler Perry movies. I am soooo not a fan. And while I also agree with Tandy about it not being Perry's job to uplift anyone, I wish he were more creative, at the very least. I watch a lot of films -- a lot (mostly independent), and have even tried to watch a Perry film in it's entirety; however, I failed as its predictability sent Me into slumber. Perry has found a formula and refuses to challenge himself beyond it. (Well, let's hope that he's not challenging himself because if he is indeed challenging himself, then that's a very sad commentary.) I understand there are a lot of Perry fans out there, but those same people probably wouldn't enjoy the films I watch either. It's just a matter of taste and Perry's is the total opposite of Mine.
I love to see what Black filmmakers bring to the table, but Perry's feeble attempts leave Me limp. I might watch this flick on satellite, but it'll only be if there's absolutely nothing else worthwhile to watch and it's on a premium channel I'm already paying for. Perry won't see a cent of My money until he comes up with a film worth My time. Nonetheless, I wish him the best, as someone needs to entertain those that share his ideas of humor and entertainment.
March 21, 2008 6:07 PM
I saw the movie today March 21, 2008, It was GREAT!
March 21, 2008 6:07 PM
I saw the movie today March 21, 2008, It was GREAT!
March 22, 2008 9:11 AM
I saw the film yesterday. I have been a fan, but I have to agree his films have to get more creative and more realistic. This formula of the "good guy in shining armor" that will come in and fix everything and that you both will go riding off into the sunset together is setting African-American women up for even a bigger fall than life already hand us now. Let's see a show of hands of any of you that know African-American men that will commute between two states to visit you regularly, plus single-handedly remodel a house and do this all unselfishly. The Hispanic character was written way over the top with stereotypes. As long as they are portrayed in that light from African-American writers, the gulf will remain wide between both groups. The fact that Bassett's character was practically begging for child support from the deadbeat dad was so far off base. It was brought up several times how much the deadbeat was making and if she had taken the advice of her Hispanic friend (one of the only good lines she was given to say), she could have had his wages garnished years ago. After seeing "Why Did I Get Married", I was expecting more.
March 22, 2008 9:14 AM
I saw the film yesterday. I have been a fan, but I have to agree his films have to get more creative and more realistic. This formula of the "good guy in shining armor" that will come in and fix everything and that you both will go riding off into the sunset together is setting African-American women up for even a bigger fall than life already hand us now. Let's see a show of hands of any of you that know African-American men that will commute between two states to visit you regularly, plus single-handedly remodel a house and do this all unselfishly. The Hispanic character was written way over the top with stereotypes. As long as they are portrayed in that light from African-American writers, the gulf will remain wide between both groups. The fact that Bassett's character was practically begging for child support from the deadbeat dad was so far off base. It was brought up several times how much the deadbeat was making and if she had taken the advice of her Hispanic friend (one of the only good lines she was given to say), she could have had his wages garnished years ago. After seeing "Why Did I Get Married", I was expecting more.
March 22, 2008 10:48 PM
I don’t know, call me gullible, but I enjoy Tyler’s plays and movies, and then I go through the expense of buying the real DVDs. I appreciate his efforts in trying to portray what he believes is what he would like to see in our people. I can’t speak for him, but, it appears that because the majority of our households are in such a mess, that he tries to send messages to those that may need to see the possibilities of changing bad things into good things. I don’t know. I could be wrong. But, at least when watching his work, there is no bloodshed. Sure, as Madea, there is a pistol or two whereas she shoots with deliberately missing her targets. But, we laugh at that because at the time, it was funny. In reality, we know guns are not in the funny column, but, instead, in the column of fear and possible death. Other than that, I believe his messages are very good ones. It’s just a matter of who wants to take his positive messages and use them for the betterment of self, family, and community.
March 24, 2008 9:43 AM
Meet the Browns was HORRIBLE!!!! I walked out of the movie! I have committed myself to NEVER support a movie that is based on sad, outdated stereotypes of black people. The movie was poorly written and lacked originality. Also, I don't need Tyler Perry preaching to me in every movie. His movies are not based in reality (too much fairytale story-plots).
Many people argue that Perry has made himself into a success and that we should cut him a little slack (considering his background). However, Perry has opened himself out to be an artist; and, I have every right to criticize him as an artist. I will NOT watch another one of his movies until he develops a half-decent script that shows the true complexities of life. Sometimes you can pray as hard as you can and things won't change.
Perry, I know you can do much better...
March 24, 2008 9:49 AM
I am so glad that someone has the wherewithal to finally call Tyler Perry on his poor movie scripts. He has duped the black community into believing that if they don't attend his movies, Hollywood will not produce movies with black actors in leading roles. I loved Why Did I Get Married? but when I saw the previews for Meet The Browns, I knew it was going to be another slap in the face. I want more movies with black actors, but I want them to be realistic. I hope he get his act together.
March 24, 2008 12:01 PM
Hey Critics----Perry's movie came in number two at the box office. "Green" Talks, Walks and works in Hollywood. Now, if you want better movies, why don't you put up some "Green" and do what Tyler is doing and produce your own movies.
March 24, 2008 12:44 PM
hey you people who putting tyler perry down need to get a life , when a black man showcase black life in a postive way you people put him down calling his movies unrealist white writer has eeen during it for years and no one say anyting negtie about thier movies as amatter of fact thier movies become classics.
March 24, 2008 12:55 PM
just because he's black doesn't mean he has the responsibility to make "good" black movies.
Tyler has found his niche, and he SHOULD NOT reexamine his winning formula just for the sake of winning everyone's approval.
March 24, 2008 1:17 PM
I saw the movie this weekend….. and I really have to say it just wasn’t that good. I love the stage play it’s really hilarious….. but it really just did not transfer over to the big screen. In all of Tyler’s other movies you laugh real hard and then you fight back tears…… neither were present in this one. I really do think that the religious aspect was toned down and it wasn’t overwhelmingly funny or heartwarming, and that is so sad because Meet the Browns play was the most hilarious of all the plays I’ve seen. I think maybe he just missed the mark a little on this one. Hopefully Madea Goes to Jail the movie will make us laugh more and touch our hearts……. And one more thing How come Tamela Mann didn’t get to sing in the movie!!!
March 25, 2008 10:12 AM
I haven't seen the movie but i need to correct something that was said. The Madea police chase was not pointless. Tyler Perry's next film is Madea Goes To Jail. That scene is a prelude to the film. He did the same thing in his play on dvd. please do your research before you write stuff. you have a lot of fans who listen to your OPINION.I'm not a hater i love your website, but this article got me alil upset
March 25, 2008 12:36 PM
I usually dont comment on message boards but that comment from By Know Your Stuff made me have to comment.
if you didnt see the film then how do you know the Madea scene wasnt pointless? i saw it and regardless of preludes it made NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sense. i was like huh? everyone in theatre was like huh? and some people walked out. if perry was about preludes then why didnt Janet Jackson pop up in Daddy's Little Girls? You know why? Because that wouldnt make any sense. Like the review said it was a gimmick. Know Your Stuff by watching the movie first!
March 25, 2008 9:56 PM
Thank you for breaking the silence on Tyler Perry's work.Too many people are afraid to call out his movies and plays because they fear retribution from the politically correct church going crowd that can't seem to get enough of his tripe. I find most of his work embarassing. Not every Black family is Ghetto, loud, uncouth, over churchified and ignorant. Stop preaching to us! I go to movies to be entertained, not enlightened. The only movie of his that I truly enjoyed was Why Did i Get Married. It had some of his typical stereotypical Amos n Andy moments, but it was actually well done and the acting was superb. As for Meet the Browns--I'd rather not.
March 26, 2008 11:08 PM
I saw the movie and thought is was hilarious! I have not laughed that much in a very long time. The entire movie theatre was full of laughter. You it is truly to each his own. For those who don't like his movies, plays, sitcom, etc.. Don't Watch! There are still plenty of us who Do!
March 27, 2008 12:38 AM
LMAO...
Wow, you TP fans don't take well to others criticizing his films. Don't get testy, everyone deserves to have their own opinion, as I've seen both positive and negative reviews. I'm glad he makes films that entertain your brand of humor. Everyone deserves a laugh. In fact, I'm laughing right now.
March 28, 2008 7:19 AM
Awful !!!! I left the theather in rage because I wasted my hard earned $10 to see this movie. After, seeing "Why Did I get married" I am appalled. How dare you Tyler Perry ? I am demanding a refund, travel expenses, and movie snacks in the amount of $30.00. The movie did not make sense. Medea's part was not necessary and didn't seem to fit the story line. Tyler, You MUST and Have to do better. I expect more from a man of your caliber. Thanks God for Jennifer Lewis and Angela Bassett.....Without the two of them,the movie would have been a total mess. AWFUL ! I want my money back ! :-(
March 28, 2008 2:48 PM
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March 30, 2008 8:03 AM
This movie was his worst. I hope I hope one day he realizes his audience is not just single, poor black mothers.