Madea's Family Reunion

—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Comedies)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads

(Spoilers Included Throughout This Review)

When Spike Lee burst onto the scene in the late 1980’s with his classic films that opened the eyes of the world to the modern day African-American experience, his mantra was “Uplift The Race.� His success opened the door for a host of other African American artists to enter the gates of Hollywood in search of similar successes. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, shades of mediocrity, and, most frequently in African American cinema, a dismal—and seemingly endless —fascination with the negative aspects of African American life. Between all the “Soul Planes,� “Booty Calls,� “Get Riches,� and “Menaces 2 Society,� it seemed as if there would never be another film that sought to fulfill the wishes of Spike Lee’s mantra.

Then in February 2004, out of nowhere, Tyler Perry shook up Hollywood with the film version of his play Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which introduced mainstream audiences to his role as the unforgettable Madea. Loved by many audiences and loathed by many film critics, this pistol packing, noise-talking grandmother became a household name, leaving audiences on pins and needles waiting for her next adventure. 1 year later, she’s baa-aack!!!

Usually when a film is not screened in advance for critics—as is the case with Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, that’s a tell-tale sign that the flick is a train wreck waiting to happen. Happily, that is not the case for this film. Madea’s Family Reunion transcends leaps and bounds above Diary. Taking the director’s chair for the first time, Perry delivers a film that is hilarious, romantic, intense and deeply profound.

Against the backdrop of the aforementioned family reunion in the title, we follow three different plot threads in this film. Lisa (Rochelle Aytes), Madea’s niece, is preparing to wed corporate hot shot Carlos (Blair Underwood—playing against his nice guy type with shockingly convincing results). Hidden beneath the glossy and polished exterior of their relationship is the ugly truth of domestic abuse—shown in all its horror on screen—suffered by Lisa at the hands of her fiancé. Lisa’s half sister Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell Anderson), a single mom of two and living under Madea’s roof, unexpectedly finds love knocking on her doorstep… or, in her case, waiting for her at the bus stop. Bus driver Frankie (Boris Kodjoe) has held a torch for Vanessa for a while and pursues her with enough charm and grace to make the women in the audience swoon. And swoon they did in the scene where Vanessa accuses him of only wanting her for one thing just like all the other men out there. Frankie’s response: “I came to restore.� Let the swooning commence!

Meanwhile, our favorite sassy granny unexpectedly finds herself the (unwilling) foster mother of twelve-year-old Nikki (Keke Palmer), a streetwise brat in need of attention, TLC, and a few swats from Madea’s belt for ditching school. As the film progresses, Madea’s acts of love and words of wisdom transform young Nikki from a “problem child� to a proud young girl who gets B’s in Algebra—or, as Madea hilariously calls it, “Al Jarreau� (yep, she pronounces it just like the singer’s name)!

Getting back to the domestic abuse plotline of the story, we discover that the person who’d seem most likely to pull Lisa out of that horrific situation instead is coercing her to proceed with this future marriage from hell. Lisa and Vanessa’s mother Victoria (Lynn Whitfield—in full-blown “All My Children� mode) delivers such “motherly� words of wisdom including blaming Lisa for the abuse that she’s suffered, accusing Vanessa of trying to sabotage the relationship between her and Lisa, and, in a stunning admission, justifying horrendous acts of abuse against Vanessa for selfish financial reasons.

The tension between Victoria and her two daughters reaches a boiling point as the family reunion takes shape. Lisa is confronted about her wedding plans by two of the matriarchs of the family, Aunt May and Aunt Myrtle (Maya Angelou & Cicely Tyson). They are able to capture Lisa’s true feelings about her upcoming marriage just by simply reading the look in her eyes. Later on, in a scene that is destined to become legendary in the annals of African-American cinema, Aunt Myrtle vividly and powerfully encourages her family to “take their place� in the seat of dignity and honor that has been fought for and died for by their ancestors during slavery and beyond. It’s evident in this powerful scene that Aunt Myrtle isn’t just talking to her on-screen kinsmen; she’s talking to her African-American kinsmen beyond the screen. Her words of encouragement literally bounced off the surround sound speakers and into the hearts of the audience. I saw lots of Kleenex being dabbed around folks’ eyes when she was done… especially my own eyes.

Mainstream film critics, once they finally see the film, will undoubtedly belittle the film because of its simplicity (they use the term “pedestrian filmmaking� to describe this) and multiple plot lines. Honestly, the film is part sitcom, part soap opera, part movie-of-the-week, part history lesson, part revival meeting. But, to be even more honest, this film is critic-proof. Perry knows who his real critics are: the African-American community—specifically, the African American church-going community. In this film Perry makes a bold statement to his audience and leaves no stone unturned. He is truly their kinsman, dedicated to uplifting his race. His directing skills may not be as polished as the other big Hollywood directors (MovieMaking Commandment #3: NEVER let a boom mike appear in the midst of your shot!), but the audience couldn’t care less as Perry willfully points his camera directly at their heartstrings for two hours.

Although African-Americans are clearly the target audience of this film, the film’s universal themes are able to resonate with audiences regardless of their race, creed or color. Victims of domestic abuse will definitely identify with the film. Hopefully the message of this story will encourage and enable those suffering though such abuse in their own lives to get help and support for themselves. In addition, those who have survived sexual abuse as a child or teenager will undoubtedly relate to Vanessa’s struggle to fully and completely open her heart to the prospect of true love. Lastly, those who find themselves in conflict with their parents—particularly their mothers—as a result of unresolved hurt and pain throughout their lives may find themselves connecting to the heart of the story as well.

As I look at Hollywood’s (and America’s) bewilderment and shock at Tyler Perry’s success, the words of 1 Corinthians 1: 27 – 28 come to mind: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are…" Tyler Perry tried to follow the rules and utilize the Hollywood system to try to get this film and his previous film produced to no avail. One studio executive suggested that African-Americans don’t even go to the movies ($80 million bucks—and counting—later, that exec must be eating some serious crow right now!). But God through Jesus Christ—Whom are willfully and boldly incorporated into Perry’s work—used the foolishness of a African-American man with a very small film budget, a very simplistic theme of forgiveness and redemption (that some critics find is too preachy), and a gun-toting, in-your-face, drop-dead hilarious grandmother to shame the “wisdom� of the Hollywood system… TWICE! Face the facts, Mr. Movie Executive: Tyler Perry is here and there’s nothing you can do about it!

Madea’s Family Reunion—simple as it is—is a great, wonderful, and necessary film! Hilarious, intense and uplifting, it packs more soul and power than most films created within the Hollywood system. Like a good plate of soul food, the film sticks to your ribs as you leave the theatre with a huge smile on your face! I can’t wait to see it again either in the theatre or on DVD!

And don’t forget to stay through the closing credits!

PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FILM. COMMENTS THAT DO NOT PERTAIN TO THE FILM OR THIS REVIEW WILL BE DELETED.

—1. Overview

Introducing Benjamin Christopher Utley

More pictures here: http://bakerman59.smugmug.com/gallery/1191606

Name: Benjamin Christopher Utley
Date of Birth: 2/5/06 (A Super Bowl Baby!)
Time of Birth: 5:06 PM PST
Weight: 6 lbs, 13 oz
Length: 19 3/4 inches long.

Young Benjamin was born via C-Section and is perfectly healthy. Mom is recovering well. Dad is estatic & euphoric! The new and improved Utley family is now home and adjusting to their brand new wonderful life!

A very special thanks to all who prayed for us during this time - specifically the Hollywood Jesus staff! We could not have made it without your prayers! Thank you!

Something New

—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Current Films)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads

(Spoilers Included Throughout This Review)

The night I saw Something New (2/4/06) I was literally a phone call away from becoming a father for the first time. Seriously, I was sitting in the theatre waiting for my phone to vibrate to hear my wife on the other end telling me to come home… it’s time. I have to mention my wife and my (soon to arrive) first born son in my review because there are many major aspects of our lives that directly correlate with the issues presented in this film—one key aspect in particular.

You see, when my son Benjamin arrives on Planet Earth, his Godparents will be a white woman and her African American husband. Two of his “Aunties� (in parentheses because even though his mom doesn’t have sisters, she has friends whom she loves as sisters) are African American women. One is married to a Hispanic man and the other is married to a white man. All three women (godmother and aunties) were the bridesmaids at our wedding. My wife and I diligently encouraged them to open their hearts and give love a chance. All three of them never thought they’d ever find the love of their lives (as noted in the picture of my wife tossing the bouquet at our wedding reception—the three ladies intentionally stood over to the side with their hands clasped together trying to avoid the obvious!). In the preceding 5 ½ years, we have watched them find, date, and ultimately marry their true loves—all while enduring the same struggles that Kenya (Sanaa Lathan—turning in another good romantic comedy performance) and Brian (Simon Baker—holding his own as well) endure in this film.

Audiences who see Something New will find themselves laughing, smiling and snuggling close to their dates. They’ll also find some profound food for thought to chew on after the credits roll. When we meet the very successful accountant Kenya, she appears to have it all: cushy job—nice wheels—beautiful looks—freshly bought new house in a nice part of town. She indeed does have it all… almost. What’s missing in her equation, at least in her mind, is her IBM (Ideal Black Male) to fulfill the empty space in her heart. One of her coworkers gets the brilliant idea to set her up on a blind date. She reluctantly goes on it and they meet at Starbucks—particularly the Magic Johnson-owned Starbucks in LA. She wades through the “brothers� in the crowd when Brian introduces himself. Of course she’s caught off guard upon meeting him (guess why!) and tries to regain her composure by tossing comments at the other African American Starbucks patrons. Ultimately she chickens out on the date but, as good old fashioned Hollywood bred “fate� would have it, their paths cross again at an engagement party for Kenya’s coworker. It turns out that Brian is a landscape architect who designed the lavish backyard where the party is being held. It also turns out that Kenya’s new house has a backyard that looks more like a swamp. Guess who gets the job to transform said backyard from swamp to chic?

The rest is Hollywood romantic comedy history—with a few touches of flavor and profundity thrown into the mix. The swamp begins its transformation; Brian works late to “touch up� a few things; Kenya invites him to dinner; dinner leads to a hiking trip where they have their reluctant (aren’t they always!) first kiss which leads to the obligatory “this kiss means nothing� statement followed by the mad, passionate kiss starting in the hallway and finishing in the bedroom. It’s when the relationship kicks off that the story enters a road that is rarely depicted on screen.

With the exception of Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, I don’t recall seeing a film that boldly and deeply addresses the issue of interracial dating like Something New does. We are immediately presented with the ramifications—cultural, personal, and social… not to mention negative and positive—of Kenya’s decision to date Brian. Initially, she demands that they keep their relationship on the “down-low� (under wraps from potentially nosy friends and family) and at social functions, introduces Brian as her “friend� as opposed to her boyfriend. Her posse of girlfriends (Wendy Raquel Robinson, Golden Brooks, Taraji P. Henson) ultimately give Brian the thumbs-up. However, the new beau (Mike Epps—shockingly understated in this film in contrast to his other roles) of one of Kenya’s girlfriends takes every opportunity he can to give Brian a hard time in the form of Black/White jokes and thinly veiled threats.

On the positive side, Brian makes a critical observation regarding Kenya with the statement, “for once, I’d love to see you naked.� It sounds like something else, but it’s really a statement about Kenya’s appearance and self-image—which we later find is heavily influenced by her mother (Alfre Woodard—deliciously uppity!). Her father (Earl Billings) is a doctor and her mother pretty much had to look the part of a doctor’s wife. This includes enrolling Kenya in debutante balls against her will as well as influencing her physical appearance and the décor in her home. Brian’s statement, however, leads to a major transformation in Kenya’s life. Her attire becomes a bit more relaxed, the aforementioned swamp backyard turns into colorful and vibrant chic, and (perhaps clearing up a major myth and unveiling the best kept secret of some African American women), she gets her hair stylist to cut her hair extensions off in place of a curly, more natural hair style.

Ultimately, the internal struggle that Kenya has about dating a white man coupled with the struggles at her job that highlight the differences between blacks and whites in the professional and social realms (which, up to this point, they tried to ignore) leads to major conflict between them. In the midst of their conflict (and subsequent break up), Mr. IBM shows up in her life in the form of a tax attorney (Blair Underwood). Upon meeting him, Kenya agrees that he is indeed ideal: the total package, so to speak. However, Kenya discovers, even with “ideal� standing right before her, that real love is a decision that involves being true to yourself, breaking the bondage of social and cultural conformity and following your heart.

Needless to say, I can relate to Kenya’s struggle and discovery in my own life. There is a major rule of thumb that still exists in certain parts of African American society that views dating outside of our race as taboo and forbidden. We are encouraged to boldly pursue love and romance… as long as it’s with our fellow kinsmen. Countless times in my life, and in the lives of others, we were stressed of the importance of “Black folks staying together�—especially when it comes to love. Being “down with The Swirl� (slang for Black/White interracial dating—popularized by the poster for Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever where the hands of an African American man and a white Italian woman are intertwined and shot in extreme close up) was akin to treason, or “selling out" our race, our brothers and our sisters. I can still remember having a Hispanic girlfriend in high school and seeing a flock of African American girls staring at me in shock and (presumably) disgust as we walked down the street holding each other. We were taught that, no matter how slim the pickings were out there, we must hold out for that Ideal Black Man/Woman.

Jesus Christ broke down the barriers that separate us as Paul mentions in Galatians 3:28. Unfortunately, while American Christians of all races, creeds and colors acknowledge this statement and claim to abide by it, the unhealed/untreated wounds that have been inflicted and suffered by the people in this country still influence the ways that we view one another. We may not tell our true feelings to those who are different than us face to face, but behind closed doors and among our kinsmen, the ugly truth of what we really feel comes out—many times in spite of the faith we claim to hold on to. The views and statements that were made to me behind closed doors regarding white and other women outside of my race definitely influenced my dating choices as a teen and college student. Honestly, that sort of foolish thinking led to me spending many Saturday nights stuck at home watching 227, Golden Girls, T.J. Hooker and WWF Wrestling!

Years later, I have discovered as Kenya did that cultural stigmas and rules pale in comparison to true love. My wife is African American, but I didn’t just marry a Black woman. I married a woman… period. She is God’s best for me. When I look at my son's godmother and aunties, I see women who married men… period. Some of them had to go through the same struggles that Kenya and Brian did in this film. But they persevered through the struggles and surrendered themselves to love—as proudly colorblind as they could be! All three of them looked as happy on their wedding days as my wife and I looked on ours. Whenever I think of Something New—and as I watch this great movie in the years to come on DVD—I will always hold the thought of my son’s Aunties and Godmother deeply in my heart.

— Overview


PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FILM. COMMENTS THAT DO NOT PERTAIN TO THE FILM OR THIS REVIEW WILL BE DELETED.