Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is not a movie but a producer of movies.

I just want to make a general comment as I am about to review 3 of his movies. Madea's Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Family that Preys.

Tyler Perry, I think, would admit that his movies are both realism, and caricature.

Caricature because many of the characters are played "over the top" but based upon real life people that we all know (e.g. Madea may resemble many of our relatives but she's way beyond any of them). Realism is present because the movies often deal with the dark sides of families, harsh realities of life, and practical wisdom that real people share.

Tyler Perry would also, I think, admit that he is intentionally planting one or a few good Christians in the mix of each movie to show that among these desperate lives there are people who live grace filled lives.

My continuing disappointment after 3 movies that each of the "christian" characters end up giving advice at the end of the movie that contradicts the final message of the Gospel. Clearly displayed in each movie is that God makes demands upon us and if we obey we are rewarded but then the ending message repeatedly seems to be - do what is best for you which is not the Gospel at all.

I recommend the movies for adults, who want to grapple with the issues of real life but I caution them that the truth is in the Bible not in movies.