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“I only go to church for weddings and funerals. I wonder what I’m dressed up for today?” That line would not be out of place in a John Wayne western, but it’s ominously delivered here by Madea (writer-director Tyler Perry, portraying his signature drag alter ego), who dispenses her own unique “old school” justice. Madea has cleaned up her act a bit since Diary of a Mad Black Woman, but she still delivers the sassy goods as she contends with being forced to take in a foster child with delinquent tendencies (which slap-happy Madea immediately nips in the bud). She also provides safe haven for her two nieces: Lisa (Rochelle Aytes), unhappily engaged to a prominent investment banker (Blair Underwood, cast against type and scarily effective), who beats her; and Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell), who has some very definite issues with her unsympathetic mother, Victoria (Lynn Whitfield). All this and much more threaten to disrupt the family reunion, which ultimately serves as a platform for Cicely Tyson, no less, to deliver an impassioned monologue imploring young black men and women to respect themselves and each other. “I expect more from you,” she thunders. Madea’s Family Reunion ruled the box office roost for two consecutive weeks, even though it was not screened for critics and faced competition ranging from Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis to Curious George. This is testament to Perry’s keen ability to viscerally connect with his devoted audience, by offering a decidedly unsubtle blend of melodrama, Springer-esque dysfunction, spiritual uplift, and Oprah-style empowerment. “It ain’t what people call you,” Madea counsels, “It’s what you answer to.” That’s a universal message that everyone can take to heart. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Actor and playwright Tyler Perry returns as Madea, a brash but loving African-American grandmother with her own way of doing things in this screen adaptation of his popular stage comedy drama. Madea has her work cut out for her when she finds herself dealing with a handful of family crises the same weekend that she's planned a massive family reunion. Her niece Lisa (Rochelle Aytes) is engaged to marry a handsome and successful man (Blair Underwood), but the good news is blunted when she reveals to her friends that he beats her. Another niece, Vanessa (Lisa Anderson), has been having romantic problems of her own, and isn't sure she should take another chance on love with a humble but good-hearted bus driver (Boris Kodjoe). Madea's older sister dies, with the funeral landing the same weekend as Lisa's wedding. And on top of all this, a court order forces Madea to look after Nikki (Keke Palmer), a troubled and angry teenager from a broken home. Madea's Family Reunion also stars Lynn Whitfield, Jennifer Lewis, Cicely Tyson, and Maya Angelou. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 031398193272
• Source: LIONS GATE
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 1:50:00
• Sales Rank: 9,634

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