Review: The Family That Preys
Filed under: Drama, Lionsgate Films, Theatrical Reviews, Trailers and Clips
To state that The Family That Preys is Tyler Perry's most accomplished screen effort to date doesn't change the fact that it's still exactly the kind of preachy, pandering, tone-shifting, gospel-laced soap opera that he's served up time and time again to his dedicated audience. However, in the grand scheme of things, his skills as a writer-director have been honed just well enough to make one wish that Perry would trust someone else to polish his rough spots at the script stage, so that his cast might play at something a bit more substantial than petty drama and broad sermons, and so that his critical reputation as a filmmaker might grow (well, recover) from the shrill likes of his trademark Madea character.
Preys is ostensibly about the clashing of classes and the good ol' power of friendship, with the extended families of matriarchs Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates, hamming it up at every turn) and Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodward, considerably more grounded) feuding over money and infidelity while those two are off making a sequel to Bonneville. Sure enough, the proceedings are propelled by all manner of confrontations and comeuppances, but when it comes down to it, Preys is as much a tale of morality as this week's Burn After Reading is about security; each is actually a movie about nothing, instead serving as an arena in which to see some familiar faces take on one another with behavior both selfish and sinister.
We as viewers know that Charlotte and Alice wouldn't be going on a memory-making road trip if one of them didn't have something tragic to share with the other. We also know that Charlotte's son (Cole Hauser) wouldn't be sleeping with one of Alice's daughters (Sanaa Lathan) unless her oft-shunned husband (Rockmond Dunbar) and his naive wife (KaDee Strickland) were to find out about it at some point, especially because just about every other character seems to have already picked up on it. It's a soap opera boiled down to a shoe-dropping session, and to a point, that constitutes progress on Perry's part (he also allows himself a supporting role, and a thankfully low-key one at that).
What a pity it is that said crap hitting the proverbial fan has to result in risibly written confessions and a significant slap to the spouse played as a crowd-pleasing note, because any fun before those points comes from watching the schemers and their agendas entangle one another. What works best here is the restraint; the sneers tend to speak louder than the slaps. Perry knows how to work up a good deal of friction, and if he could only find better ways to release it, he might be on the right track. At this point, he still lets his sappy stuff interfere with his soapy stuff, and the result shifts between merely warmed over to utterly half-baked.
No, there's no room for Madea here, but maybe with her own dedicated vehicle on the horizon, Perry can figure out his priorities when it comes to making movies about real-ish people with real-ish problems. Putting away the wig and glasses is a start, but refining his dramatic tendencies is going to take a few more steps than that, and if The Family That Preys is any indication, his feet may be shuffling, but at least they're headed in the right direction.
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. I still stand by my opinion, Tyler Perry is a hack. He's done nothing more than create a 21st century Ernest character (Madea is apparently going to jail too) in Madea and fools and Jesus freaks just keep eating it up and making him more money. His screenplays are medicore and his directing skills are average at best. Theres a difference in being a good Christian and being a sucker for someone who shoves religion down your throat as an answer to all your problems.
Posted at 7:19PM on Sep 13th 2008 by DisposablePal
3. Tyler Perry doesn't shove religion down anyone's throat. He barely mentions it in the movie. Did you see it?
Posted at 9:33AM on Sep 15th 2008 by Constance
4. But you gave it a 2 out of 3 stars!
Posted at 9:54AM on Sep 15th 2008 by Firstimer
5. I guess that's why the world is what it is and America of all places who seems to keep taking religion out of everything, wake up 9/11 was the big event but there is more to come if we keep putting down things of a religious nature. It would be nice if we just had some more God in our lives for a change. It's funny how easy we criticize the things that are becoming even it has the obvious humour but the gore and killings and damnation movies get all the thumbs up, what a glorious day when the Lord steps in his appearance who will we stand up for then or will we be able to stand, or perhaps run to the mountains. If you don't appreciate movies that has a religious undertone then for heaven's sake don't go, I'm sure there is enough of us that want to see that kind of movie that will make the movie worthwhile.
Posted at 12:52PM on Oct 30th 2008 by GodIsGood
6. What a wonderful, enjoyable movie! I don't go to the movies to "critique" them, I go to be entertained. Tyler Perry has a grasp on what's important to his audience and what we all would like to see. This is his best movie yet, and anyone that doesn't enjoy his movies....should simply NOT GO! Spend your $ elsewhere....because thankfully, he doesn' need it anyway! Thank you Tyler! You knocked this one out of the ballpark!!!
Posted at 7:33PM on Sep 13th 2008 by msly
7. I pretty much disagree with everything you said, DisposablePal. I am an atheist, but I still enjoy his films. True, they are not masterpieces, but whoever said they were supposed to be?
You call him a hack, but Perry isn't out there to make Oscar-worthy films, he is simply out there to make entertainment. And he does exactly that.
And I thoroughly don't understand when you say how he "shoves religion down your throat as an answer to all your problems."
Have you seen his films or is this just what you think they are about? There are some religious aspects of his film, but nowhere near the level you suggest.
Posted at 10:46PM on Sep 13th 2008 by Drew
8. I am proud of Tyler and supportive of his films. However, while I am no critic, I was annoyed by the choppiness of the film, the overwhelming storyline and unrealistic details. The truth is, I always feel that way after his films, but I go back, because he deserves to be supported. I only hope that one day he will consult with those who are trained to create seamless, fluid, big-screen stories. My God, there was so much going on in the movie and the scenes changed so abruptly...the plot was so thick, I couldn't tell when we'd reached the climax. And the details -- which always seem a bit "off" in his films -- seemed unrealistic. Sanaa's character was an Ivy League graduate reporting to a board member and top executive in the company as the head of finance, yet her salary was $65,000 per year. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but it's almost as bad as setting a scene in the 70's with characters wearing clothing from the 90's -- it compromises the integrity and makes us not want to take it seriously. I think Tyler has great potential, and I hope he realizes one day that it wouldn't hurt to partner with someone who actually knows how to take his films to the next level. I really want him to be taken seriously as a great filmmaker...at this point, he is far from that. But alas, I will still buy a ticket for his next film...
Posted at 11:31PM on Sep 13th 2008 by Cabral
9. The movie was so real I'm a corporate women and I wish more woman used there brains and care more about being respected than laying on there backs for a free ride because nothing in life is free and my only draw back it never ok for a man to hit a women under any circumstance.
Posted at 12:46AM on Sep 14th 2008 by VOGUE
10. Seriously Vogue? You are a corporate "women" and wish more "woman" used "there" brains and "care" more.... Do I really have to point out how many different ways that your comment betrays your assertion of being a "corporate women"? Christ.... If you are going to assert yourself as upscale and intelligent then at least get your grammar right. Just so we are clear:
You are a corporate "woman".
And wish more "women"
Used "their"
brains and "cared" more.
Hate to nitpick but if you are going to make such broad statements about a movie or the theme thereof, then at least write something that doesn't sound like it was written by a 3rd grader.
Hooper
Posted at 7:15AM on Sep 15th 2008 by HoopersX
11. you go boy!! I loved this film. as a manner of fact I am going to see it again I told all my friends and co-workers to go see it.
keep up the good work. I wil always support your movies and
plays.
sincerely,
a loyal fan
Posted at 12:42PM on Sep 14th 2008 by phyllis
12. I've always gone to see Tyler Perry's movies even though I may not like the preview because I always find it is better than i think it is -- he is such a gifted writer, producer, director. The family that preys is the best movie that he has ever done and that's saying a lot -- i saw it on opening night and everyone was laughing and having a great time. Don't miss it. This movie is for everyone, I don't exactly fit the demographic that you might think would enjoy this movie that's why I say -- if you want to see a great movie -- don't miss this movie.
Posted at 7:16AM on Sep 15th 2008 by folrsi30
13. You still don't get it. Tyler Perry makes movies for his audiences. They get it and that's why they are loyal. He incorporates life issues...and for some of us religion and spiritual things are a huge part of our life. He is gifted, talented, and he "gets it", so he may not be for mainstream America, but I know a lot of people who just go to the movies to see his films.
I loved the movie, it entertained and was worth my money.
Posted at 10:02AM on Sep 15th 2008 by rhoda
14. I can't wait to see this movie, Tyler Perry's movies I have always enjoyed.
I'll see it this week. To all the hater's STOP IT.
Posted at 11:09AM on Sep 15th 2008 by Audrey
15. Wow...this movie fell short on many levels. I have to agree witht the reviewer above as well as with Cabral. The Family that Preys was dripping with unrealistically gullible characters, huge disconnects is storyline, and a host of cliche' plots that you could see coming a mile away. This Tyler Perry-esque mumbo jumbo was like watching "Thelma and Louise" meets "Dallas" meets "All My Children. Yawn. I, too, have hopes that he one day Perry can partner with an award-winning writer and producer in efforts of building credibility, cohesiveness, and depth in his films. And for your information "Lavinka" I was dragged to this this movie part of an all girl's night out. Maybe I should give you my little $9 or $11 instead towards some grammar lessons.
Posted at 3:37PM on Sep 15th 2008 by holyschmidt
16. I been a Tyler Perry fan since his plays and I must say that the man is very talented. Tyler, you need to know that whatever you do in life, you going to have a shitload of 'haters' no matter what. You can donate a million dollars to Africa or any other charity out there, people are still going to say something stupid. Haters keeps us going and want to strive for bigger and better things.
For all of you that had something negative to say, I bet your ass was the first to go buy the ticket to go see the movie and if you didn't, trust me, your little $9 or $11 movie ticket will not make or break him. I GUESS YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE OCTOBER 2008 ISSUE FRONT COVER OF THE EBONY MAGAZINE HUH? "BILLION-DOLLAR EMPIRE"!!!!!!
I just seen the movie yesterday and I was blown away. Great storyline and cast members were increditable!!! Tyler Perry is here to entertain us and he is doing just that.
And to miss vogue... It's a good thing that you are a corporate woman but if a woman think she got the balls of a man, then she deserves to be hit not beat. There are women out there that need a good slap to be brought back down to reality sweetie... By the way, I am a black woman!!!!
Posted at 6:46PM on Sep 15th 2008 by lavinka
17. Is that Madonna sitting in the backseat in that picture? Seriously.
Posted at 9:00PM on Sep 15th 2008 by Ogami Itto
18. Sometimes I just have to cringe when I read responses from critics. First of all, this film is filled with a lot of reminders on what being a human being is all about. There is so much garbage out there right now. It is refreshing to finally see another person who is not afraid to provide viewers with something more than re-hashed plots and scripts over and over (AGGGHH!!). I personally believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and mine is: looking at the state of the world today, i honestly feel we need to have simpler images of realationships. Showing just how greed and selfishness destroys and how love and compassion create magic will always be of interest to me. Everyone is entitled to their opions and I finally decided to post mine. Tyler Perry you are a inspiration -- don't let anybody's shallow words discourage you my brotha.
Posted at 11:47PM on Sep 15th 2008 by glenn
19. I couldn't disagree with the writer more. While this is only the second movie of Tyler's that I have seen, I must say this movie was awesome. I see why Tyler refuses to have his movie pre-screened. Why should he care what the critics think when he has 18 million dollar openings.
Perceptions are a lie! As long as he knows this he will keep on doing what he loves to do. He has an audience that obviously loves and supports his work so that's all that matters.
Instead of hating be glad/proud of him for coming as far as he has. Remember the man was homeless 10 or so years ago! Personal responsibility? He pulled himself up and he is doing his thing legally! He is not hurting anybody.
Everyone thought Alfre and Kathy's relationship were cute and how many people have family members who have graduated from college or moved up a bit and think they are all that. All of the characters were relatable. The movie was great. I would recommend it to others. A must see movie!
Posted at 1:49AM on Sep 16th 2008 by mizzlaker8
20. Calm down folks, it's just a movie!!!! BUT the point is, if you come away with something more than you had when you went in to see the movie, then it has had an impact on you whether you want to admit it or not. Cliche' yes, a bit. Soapy, sure, BUT, like I said, if you saw the movie, you can't say you didn't get something from it. I want to say, once again, good job Tyler!!!! I like Madea but I love your dramas even better. Your directing of this movie was definately on point and your cast choices were superb, as usual. I just like the fact that I can go to one of your movies and "loose myself" in it for a couple of hours....well, to be honest, days because I haven't quite gotten over this movie yet!!!! Keep up the good work.
Posted at 9:07AM on Sep 16th 2008 by msone
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1. The only time i make an effort to go to the movies is when Tyler has released a new movie. I don't go just because he is a brother i go because his movies deal with reality and they always have a message that gets you involved its like watching your own family. Keep up the good work Tyler don't change ....what you do sets you apart from the others keep on writing from your heart and listening to the voice of God.
and Happy Birthday Tyler may God bless you with many more...
Posted at 5:38PM on Sep 13th 2008 by Barbara Gainer