Madea's Family Reunion DVD: Review By kaismith

Only a loving family member could give such delicate and caring advice as Madea (Tyler Perry) gives to Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell Anderson) and Lisa (Rochelle Aytes) about what to do with a bad man, "Cook a big pot of grits, bring him into the kitchen, then toss the grits on him. Then after you toss them, swat him with a frying pan. You gotta get you a good balanced weight, toss and swat, toss and swat, Venus and Serena, that's called grit ball."

While I'm not encouraging "grit ball," the unique approach of Madea's advice is both a mix of humor and truth. Don't cringe too much men. Just treat a girl right and we won't have to resort to Madea's advice. *Wink, Wink*

This film was fun! While the plot structure is similar to its predecessor Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea has taken over as the star. In this film, Madea is planning on getting her family together but of course drama ensues which includes the romantic trouble her nieces Vanessa and Lisa experience and a runaway placed in her care as a term of her parole.

His tales of family dysfunction and really is able to touch all. His stories are human oriented and characters endearing and well rounded. Even though his characters are of African descent the bare essence of the stories and messages of family values are relatable across all races and creeds. Perry does an outstanding job of weaving together the serious issues addressed from physical abuse and molestation to the hilarious and outrageous.

The cast is made up of some of the cr&#232me de la cr&#232me including Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Maya Angelou, Jenifer Lewis, Cicely Tyson Blair Underwood and Boris Kodjoe. It didn't bother me that the plots structure was recycled but after having seen Madea plays it did irk me a bit to see similar lines weaved through out the film sampled from previous Perry plays. Also the boom mikes could have been kept out of the shots a bit better.

Director Commentary

Deleted Scenes

The Making of Madea's Family Reunion

There are many candid interviews with the actors, directors and of course one with Madea. This is a much shorter featurette than many on other Perry DVDs but much more concise and to the point. The editing is exceptional. .

Marriage Madea Style

The production designer talks about the elements that went into building the set for the wedding as Perry says in the clip "on a Lionsgate budget," complete with flying angels and tons of drapery reminiscent of Paris in Spring time.

Gaither Plantation

The cast talk about how the historic plantation was incorporated into the film. Angelou and Tyson talk about the add-libbing they contributed in the family reunion scene and the cast discusses the powerful impact it had on them.

Making the Music

Gospel and R and B music is always a huge part of Perry's film and this is no different. Perry talks about the inspiration for the music he wrote for the film and how he uses it in scenes.

Full Screen - 1.33:1. The costumes are much better and the picture quality has improved significantly versus Perry's previous films. Well done.

Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 Surround. Perry is truly multi-talented. He wrote the score for this film (as he did for his plays). Each does an outstanding job of enhancing the emotion in each scene.

Standing behind Madea (the wind his caught up in her purple dress) is her family set against a white background. On the reverse are several scene selections, a plot synopsis and a supplemental features list.

As sappy as this might come off, Madea's Family Reunion will make you laugh, will make you angry, will make you cry and will make you want to hug your mamma. This is a feel good film for the family to share of all races and creeds.