I had not seen a single Tyler Perry movie until the past week (18 – 23 feb 2008). I had kinda avoided seeing them because I worried that I might not contain myself and applaud or it might be just another Big Momma movie. So I kept hoping that King K would surprise me with one to watch at home.
AND THEN Oprah hat to preview his latest movie
Why Did I Get Married? (14/02/2008). The storyline revolves around four couples who vacation together every year – this year an extra person arrives for the holiday and secrets come out! The minute the show ended I called all my married cousins and made them swear to get to the cinema and watch it with their girlfriends This movie is the first movie that Tyler Perry’s wise, old, young-at-heart, need a bra "Madea" is sitting out on. As Oprah announced the guests; Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson and Jill Scott - after having a very short interview with 4 couples on why they got married –
Most of the women married because they were “in love” – the men had not even thought about it. Men! They ask but can’t tell why they get married? Is that an irony? Why ask a lady to get married when you don’t have a reason why you wanna get married? I personally felt some of those husbands were bullied by their wives!
As Janet Jackson sat down, Oprah wasted no time – she asked “Why did you get married?” Poor Janet – as shy as she is, had to now divulge to Oprah and her grizillion viewers, about her 2 failed marriages. She said she thought she could change “him” – and she was young – we assume she was referring to Chico Debarge. So she assumes that the initial reasons for the marriages were wrong. Aaaah! Miss Janet! Oprah asked about her plans with her latest beau, Jermaine Dupri, and when they were previously on the show he had said he wants lots of children. Miss Janet admits to wanting children but not as much as Jermaine is dreaming of having.
Janet and Oprah
Janet portrays Patricia in the movie, a psychologist whose marriage seems perfect to everyone but is really not as good due a haunting tragedy. She says she used some real-life drama she had experienced to play the part well. She has lost a friend whom she had found out had a cheating partner and did not tell. She had found out that her friend’s man was cheating and confronted the dude to tell the friend, however the guy didn’t and the friend found out and was mad at Janet. So she lost the friendship. She swears she would still do the same when faced with the situation. Oprah seemed stunned because she would tell but since Janet would want to be told by her man she will not tell her!
What would you do? Or what have you done? I have always done what Janet did… I don’t tell my friend but rather the guy to come clean. I would support my friend when she finds out and explain to her why I did not tell her. When faced with the same situation my friends would tell me and somehow the universe would reveal it to me soon enough for me to walk out! So I always caught the suckers!
Janet said she enjoys singing more than acting but acting is her first love. She finds acting out the easier scenes harder. Tyler was a joy to work with and was the “most fun she has ever had” – Ooooh Miss Janet! He sets rules on his sets to get everyone in line – they must be on time and no entourage.
Tyler Perry wrote, produced and directed the movie after just being in a crazy relationship. He says he didn’t know how to forgive after a partner does wrong. He admits that being rich and famous you can’t tell people’s intentions; whether they genuinely are in interested in you: the person or the money. His interpretation of marriage was that “a part of you has to die”. Whilst he has enjoyed being single, he wants to get married and jokingly asked Oprah for advice; but is in no hurry.
Tyler Perry
He plays the part of Terry, a husband who's battling his wife about the demands of her high-powered job and HE DID NOT MISS MADEA! She has become too much! Everyone calling him Madea – people on the streets when they see him scream “Hey Madea”. At this point, I was keen to find out about Madea. Is she overbearing? Well, now that I have seen Madea I think it’s a damn same she couldn’t be in this movie! She was wisdom beyond any classroom and she says it from the heart – the words are always full of courage and belief in yourself. She would have sorted those couples out in a split second – Oh! Then I guess there wouldn’t be a movie! LOL!
He even has had to move from his house because they had used his house in the movie
The Diary Of A Mad Black Woman to save money. People were camping on his doorstep and jumping the fence to see Madea and it was getting crazy! Americans! Does anyone in Msanzi do that? I have lived in a whole lot of places were celebrities were my neighbours and I have never seen that!
Jill ScottJill Scott walked onto the stage looking shocked – I thought “dream come true moment! Damn Oprah why has Jill never been on the show?” She had recently gone through a rough divorce when she started filming this film. She plays the part of Sheila, an overweight woman whose husband taunts and abuses her for this flaw. She had to wear a “fat suit” to play the part. The scenes they showed! Damn! I was sobbing like I had seen the entire movie; she is rrrreeeeeally good. She had to listen to Tyler as he directed and tap into her experience to get the right emotions but I was convinced she was really in pain! The husband in the movie was also really convincing – and to think he is a real-life priest! Dayunm!
Jill Scott scene from Why Did I Get Married?She was so serene and silent during the interview that I wanted her to at least sing a song or recite a poet. I almost felt like she was ignored by Oprah.
Tyler had to make an apology to Janet as he had spilled red wine on Janet’s Valentino dress at a party Jermaine had thrown! He says he was excited about the free alcohol and as he was about to leave tripped a glass of wine Janet was drinking onto her dress. He jokingly admitted to being really worried about what the paparazzi would say happened – they would probably spice it up so much and say he beat Janet up. So he wanted to replace the dress so that he doesn’t feel so bad about it – He has convinced himself that Jermaine was upset because he had to leave the party just after that incident.
Valentino Dress for Janet from TylerHe brought four Valentino dresses for Janet to choose
JUST ONE (emphasis on one) – Janet says it was an accident and it is absolutely not necessary for him to feel bad about what happened. Her reaction when it happened and even now was to laugh it off! As the models strolled onto the stage, she said the audience could choose for her – Oprah walked across the stage and chose the dress. I was so happy! She was wearing shoes that fit and she walked perfectly!
I personally recommend everyone goes to check out this movie, even though this is all black cast (please don't dwell on this line) - marriage is a universal phenomemnon that some people will experience and some issues are very common regardless of age, race or experience.
Why Did I Get Married? starts showing tomorrow (29/02/2008)