Byron Edwards, Urban News Room
(UNR) Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?‘ came in second at the box office this weekend making $30.2 million proving that Tyler Perry knows exactly how to make a hit film.
The sequel picks up where the 2007, “Why Did I Get Married?” left off; this time with the four successful couples preparing for their annual one-week vacation to share, reconnect, and renew their marriages in the tropical Bahamas. In true Tyler Perry fashion, what you would expect to be a peaceful vacation turns into a dramatic nightmare.
After a three-year lapse, the characters have grown. ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?‘ spends more time outside of the retreat, focusing on the characters and the dynamics they face within their relations.
The movie opens up with Dianne (Sharon Leal) and Terry’s (Tyler Perry) relationship as the perfect couple free of the marital strains they encountered in the first film. They now have a son and are focused on raising their children.
Angela (Tasha Smith) enters full of action, arguing, yelling, and complaining about Marcus (Michael Jai White) infidelities, while questioning his faithfulness now that he’s a famous sportscaster.
Troy (Lamman Rucker) and Sheila (Jill Scott) are happily married, new parents, and have relocated to Atlanta to be closer to family and friends. Troy, who is struggling to find work in the new city questions if they should even be on a vacation.
Sheila’s ex-husband, Mike (Richard T. Jones), who is now single and has a shocking secret, arrives to Bahamas. Hoping to break up her new marriage, the couples decide to continue with their vacation and allow Mike to join.
The main character, Patricia (Janet Jackson), a successful self-help psychologist, faces the flaws in her picture perfect marriage to Gavin (Malik Yoba). The couple, which is obviously the least happy of the friends, continues to attempt hold it together, eventually having to face the issues within their own marriage.
It’s no wonder Tyler Perry continues to be one of the top grossing filmmakers. He knows exactly how to please his audience, majority of which are African American women who love shirtless men and drama. As I sat in the sold out Saturday morning 10 AM showing, I braced myself for what I knew would be an adventure. From the moment the previews started, the theater was in a constant chatter analyzing every scene, laughing, finishing lines, and yelling as if they too had been casted as an extra.
RELATED: Album Review: Usher’s Back with Raymond vs. Raymond
As a fan of “Why Did I Get Married”, I was skeptical if Tyler Perry could deliver a classy funny sequel that I would be happy with. Overall, Perry delivered what I would describe as a “Hot Ghetto Mess”, estimating that his audience would prefer unrealistic over-the-top drama versus a well-written sensible script.
The scenes were long, the situations inflated, and the revelations became predictable as the movie continued. At times I was uncertain if I was watching a soap opera or a horror film; and found myself hoping that all of the marriages would end in divorce or a tragic accident to ensure that a third installment was not created.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
Through it all I would suggest everyone to support Tyler Perry and see the film. The debates I’ve engaged in over the weekend have been interesting. It seems that “Why Did I Get Married Too?” is one that people either love or hate, but everyone agreeing that a good laugh was obtained, either from the movie or from the audience commentary.
Byron Edwards, Contributor – UrbanNewsRoom.com
This movie was just blah to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one but as you so eloquently stated, Tyler decided to ditch a well-written script for this second installment. It was just dramatic from start to finish, the ending was horrible, and overall I was disappointed; however, I do think ppl should still support TP he’s employing a lot of black actors so KUDOS to him.
Haven’t seen the movie yet, but your review is pretty on point with what I have heard from viewers thus far
Good review. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’ve heard similar thoughts about it. I imagined it had to be over the top because he rarely does sequels so he had to pull it out of somewhere. Hmm Maybe I’ll try and see it on Sunday then come back and add what I thought.
Haven’t seen the movie either but I like the review. I will be goin to see it to get my own opinion. One thing I know for sure is that the purpose of this film is entertainment and judging by it and previous fimls, Perry has accomplished that while earning a handsome check. He has found a niche
Truth be told the scenes seemed a bit contrived and the camera angles slightly more than awkward. However, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this installment 10x more then the last. Janet Jackson was extraordinary and I prefer a strong Jill Scott to the weak one from the previous film.
I encourage all to check out this one!
Well written Byron. Honestly, I enjoyed the film; although it was a bit over the top. I’m afraid Tyler attempted to address too many common relationship issues. J.J. did great; but so did Tasha Smith (Angela); I may have fell asleep in the movie if it wasn’t for her.
Good analysis. I found myself bouncing back and forth from emotion to emotion, not sure of what to expect from this drama. Tyler Perry is predictable, and unfortunately – the simplistic, yet stereotypically embellished views are really the ones that sell movies to the black community. Although there was some comic relief, I too found some scenes beyond awkward.
I really can’t understand anyone who says this was not an extraordinary film. Maybe you didn’t get what Tyler Perry tries to convey in his films. There are lessons and morals to his films and not just entertainment. I throughly enjoyed the film and all those that we in the theater with me enjoyed it also. Please stop judging and try congratulating sometimes. Those who judge usually live a miserable life themselves and you know what they say, ‘misery loves company”. I really enjoyed the film Tyler, keep up the good work.
I agree that it wasn’t the best movie. I enjoyed parts of the film but it was very extra. To the person above, everyone has their own opinions and may not be hating just to hate.
Misery? It can’t be that serious. A simple, well thought out movie review is what this is. Byron you did a good job giving YOUR OPINIONS. I REALLY liked the movie and wouldn’t mind going to see it again, but I do wish the ending was different. Janet did an excellent job with her part *claps*. She must have channeled MJ’s death (hope that doesn’t give it away).
nitawms45inala I find it hysterical that you talk about people who judge when you yourself are doing exactly the same thing of the writer and anyone who did not like the movie. It’s a review and reviews, any reviews, are basically a person’s opinion of a movie, a concert, whatever event.
If you liked the movie and came away with something profound from it good for you. But while you are being so profound; try also being mature and accepting that people have different tastes / opinions. Some liked the movie, some didn’t – to each his own.
For you to come on here and act all mighty and as if your opinion of the movie is the correct one – and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong – is very funny. And had you not been in such a rush to point out how judgmental the writer is; you probably would have read and understood: “Through it all I would suggest everyone to support Tyler Perry and see the film. The debates I’ve engaged in over the weekend have been interesting. It seems that “Why Did I Get Married Too?” is one that people either love or hate, but everyone agreeing that a good laugh was obtained, either from the movie or from the audience commentary”.
Seems he is advocating seeing the movie if, nothing else, for the conversations / debates it will create. And at the end of the day, getting people to talk about issues they saw on screen, is a positive thing for any movie.
K now I’m off to see it and form my own opinion. LOL
Great review…Haven’t checked the movie out yet but, I didn’t have high expectations for it. Tyler Perry’s movies tend to be insulting to the intelligence of his audience, so predictable and simplistic. The only one that I enjoyed was Why Did I Get Married. And to the young lady who said stop judging—that’s his job–to judge. Hence the term “review”. Having said that, I’m proud of Tyler Perry for achieving such success! Keep making simple movies and we’ll keep hoping the next one is better!
@Nitawms45inala
Thank you for commenting on the post. I truly respect your comment. You state that “Maybe you didn’t get what Tyler Perry tries to convey in his films”, but perhaps I did, and perhaps I want more from Tyler Perry, whom I believe can make great cinematic dramas, without the unnecessary “drama”.
I’m interested in hearing which lessons and morals you gathered from “Why Did I Get Married Too?”.
If by not enjoying one (or many) Tyler Perry films causes me to judge and live a miserable life, then so be it.
Great review Byron. Went to see it with the fam over the weekend. I think it is a unrealistic perspective of what marriage is like. No marriage is perfective however if you are dealing with that much drama, odds are you probably dont need to be married. The movie was ok overall I would take more as a movie set for entertainment than his regular moral and lessons movie which it’s different for a Tyler Perry movie.
My girlfriends and I have made some what of a tradition to see each new Tyler Perry movie together. This year would be no differen- we purchased our tickets to see his newest flick at one of the few movie theaters in our area showing the film (another convo for another day). As we lined up oustide of the theater- the excitement of the crowd was obvious.
We found the movie to be wonderful- offering a bit of change from the somewhat predicatbale plot lines ususally found in TP movies. What I liked about this movie that the last one was lacking was character development. The characters were a BIT more developed and I felt like there was atleast one character in there that each of my girlfriends could identify with. I won’t spoil it- but we HATED the last scene which was a poor attempt to create commotion for the sequel that will undoubtedly follow.
All in all- I’d have to say this is the best TP movie I’ve seen to date!
I have heard similar comments about the movie from other people. Some like it but the majority thought it wasn’t good, especially the ending. I plan on seeing it this weekend to develop my own opinion.
Hot Ghetto Mess…It wasnt that bad.
Although I thought portions of the movie were a little over the top, I enjoyed the movie overall. However, I did not like the ending. I would recommend the movie. I got a good laugh and it held my interest the entire time.
When you use ‘hot ghetto mess’, I’m thinking of a teenagers in tight sports wear going to the prom. Every scene in the movie was realistic but could be seen as extreme if your life has been sheltered. If you can’t relate to it then it will seem to be “ghetto”. Critics and reviewers kill me because half have never been married and the other half only review to keep a job. I think reviewers need to review only the movies that relate to their own lives. If your life is a horror flick, then you review old Jason flicks. If your life is that of a college grad then you review High School musicals. You can’t review what you haven’t experienced and Tyler’s movie touches on subjects that most of this “Soulja boy” generation will never experience.
Where do I begin? First, I think everyone could afford to calm down, its just a movie! Secondly, I think when one is offering a critique of a movie review, stick to what was said, not what was implied nor should one attack the character of the reviewer.
Why Did I Get Married Too, taught me what NOT to do in a marriage. Janet Jackson did a PHENOMENAL job kudos, her and Tasha Smith were truly the glue that held the movie together, with Tasha being the comic relief. The beginning had to many awkward moments, it did not flow at all and the ending was HORRIBLE, rushed and made no sense! But the rest of the movie was mediocre . And for that I would initially give Tyler a C+, I’m going to watch it a second time to see if my opinion changes..
I think the review for this movie is fairly accurate.
While Tyler Perry has found his niche, I beleive that to grow as an actor/producer/director he is going to need to take some tips from other experienced professionals. Anyone watching the movie could tell you that the beginning was long, awkward, and drawn out and the ending was abrupt, equally as awkward, and disappointing. There were a few other “director” mishaps that could have been avoided as well but I will leave that to the movie-goers eye to decipher (case in point Jill Scott’s hair style changing every 5 minutes even 3 times in one day of the movie!!! or plugging the title of the movie in the movie)
As for the “messages” that this movie was trying to deliver, that all got lost in the drama. In the previous WDIGM, TP successfully showed that marriage is difficult but he also showed what it means to work through your problems. In this movie he moves from the marriage is difficult mantra to a pure marriage is dysfunctional theme and really there is no true resolution for any of the situations.
All you walk away from the movie knowing is that black women are crazy, black men make them crazy and thats all there is to it. At least that is what I got. Even though Janet did a great job of channeling grief and anger, we never really get a good reason for it. Many have said that this movie made room for more character development. I tend to disagree. Other than Jill Scott and the “Sherriff”, none of the characters really develop. I think what is really missing from this movie is a nice balance of reality and drama. Although, I know that Tyler goes for the dramatic because that is what his audience craves, he needed to stick with the formula from the first movie. Marriage and relationship in the black community is a deep and emotional topic…he could have inserted realistic drama mixed with realistic comedy and I would have been more than happy. This movie left me feeling hollow.
I’d give it 1 1/2 stars out of 4. Tyler has totally regressed as a director/writer. The best thing about the movie is the cast. The worse thing is the crappy story, which is just a retread from the first movie. The characters showed no growth and Tyler was very heavy handed with the melodrama. He managed to make each of the characters unlikeable at some point. What was the point of a sequel if none of the characters learned anything from the first movie? Janet gave a plausible dramatic performance, but she played it like she was in some sort of horror movie. What was the point of her emotional outburst again? lol Angela was the highlight in the original, but here…she was just some insecure screaming harpy. She was more annoying than funny. As with all of Tyler’s movies, I always expect more but end up getting much less. Yeah, it’s nice to see a brotha do well, but I refuse to condone mediocrity.
The movie was dramatic and a bit much to handle ALL the characters and their issues in one sitting. I think TP knew that a lot of his audience would be drawn into the drama though. Not a fav of mine but I support TP though because he is employing black ppl and giving some actors opportunities that they may not have gotten in Hollywood.
Sigh….. Where should I start? ” Hot Ghetto Mess” wouldn’t be the choice of words that I would use but the movie was CRAZY!!! From the alcohol splashing, cross dressing, Elin Woods moment, etc I was completely thrown. It was way too dramatic and I usually like cheesy movies. Tyler was definitely going for shock value in this film. It did have it’s funny moments and I loved The Rock’s debut but overall not his best. I’m almost afraid to see what he would do with a third installment……….
Everybody talking about how “over the top” the acting was, when in reality, everybody has a moment when they act crazy and deranged! Stop putting so much emphasis on BLACK acting just because the case is …well..BLACK. If it had been Deniro or Tom Hanks in the lead, the review would be totally different. Stop hatin’ because if you really don’t know what Tyler is about by now, you would have kept your money.
Psst…Spencer. All of us who are responding, actually paid money to see the movie so I think you can assume that we wanted to support Tyler. That said, we are entitled to criticize him when we aren’t happy with the results. I’ve seen all of his movies in the theater…some I liked, some I didn’t. I choose to support his movies because I recognize the dearth of options for black actors and I applaud him for hiring so many of US. It takes more than just talented black faces on a screen to make an entertaining movie. As a writer, I think he’s mediocre at best but he knows his target audience and they (we) continue to support everything he does, so what incentive does he have to do any better? I loved the first WDIGM and I hated the sequel. It’s as simple as that.
Didn’t see the movie, but Im proud of you bro…this was very entertaining. I will be waiting until it appears in the redbox.
Thanks
i do not understand how anyone enjoys Tyler Perry movies; they are totally unrealistic and he just takes any and everything that could go wrong in a relationship and puts it in the film. Byron, i agree with your “Hot Ghetto Mess” comment, much like all his other movies.
You post awsome articles. Bookmarked !