10 Critically Abused Films That We All Loved Anyway (And Why)
3. Diary Of A Mad Black Woman (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 16%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
Tyler Perry’s big screen adaptation of his successful stage show, Diary of a Mad Black Woman is a comedy drama about a woman whose husband of 18 years announces on their anniversary that he is filing for divorce and moving another woman in.
With nowhere to go, Helen (Kimberly Elise) has no choice but to bunk with her crazy grandmother Madea (Perry), a woman with some strong opinions and a gun she isn’t afraid to use.
What The Critics Said:
The Rotten Tomatoes Critic Consensus states that Perry’s play fails to successfully make the move to the screen, with the film’s mix of slapstick, melodrama and spirituality lacking a consistent tone.
Perry’s writing was criticised for having too much woozy sentiment and too many melodramatic situations, with humour so overly cartoonish that it was hard to take any part of the film seriously.
Why We Loved It Anyway:
The genre mish-mash that seemed to leave most critics bewildered was not as unusual or unenjoyable as they would have you believe. Though it does create tonal shifts, the combination of drama, comedy and faith-based sentimentality isn’t so bizarre that it sends you running.
Those able to look past this film’s slightly rough edges will find themselves treated to a heartfelt tale of self-empowerment, human compassion and the power of faith.