Artist: Movie ReviewTitle: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Film)Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Imani A. Dawson
Let’s face it, Black women have a right to be angry. They’re routinely
disrespected, disappointed and left heart-wrenchingly alone. Tyler Perry’s
big screen version of his very popular gospel play, Diary of a mad Black
Woman
(which rang up millions for Perry’s collection plate), provides plentyof exhaling opportunities. Despite the media hype and token appearance on
Oprah, it’s pretty clear that the movie appeals primarily to this niche
audience.
Diary has all the elements of an urban fairy tale. There is the wronged
heroine, Helen McCarter who is literally thrown out of her mansion by her
philandering husband of 18 years, the wise-cracking weed-toking matriarch
Madea who assists Helen assert her independence, played by Perry in drag and
of course, Orlando, the obligatory handsome chocolate Prince who chastely
sweeps Helen off her feet.
Alternating wildly between slapstick comedy and tear-jerking emotion, the
film’s non-linear storytelling format makes it hard to follow for folks not
familiar with Perry’s style. Christianity forms the plot’s core and
facilitates Helen and Orlando’s happy ending, so this isn’t a recommended
date movie for heathens, 5 percenters and other non-believers. However, the
feel-good, family oriented flick provides just the right amount of romance
and revenge to keep Jesus loving sisters signifying in the aisles. For two
hours at least, Black women get the happy ending they deserve.
