Tyler Perry calls out ‘highbrow’ critics, defends his fans: ‘Don’t discount these people’

Tyler Perry calls out 'highbrow' critics, defends his fans: 'Don't discount these people'

As a long-time cinema devotee with a deep appreciation for the diversity of stories and voices in film, I find Tyler Perry‘s recent comments about criticism and his creative process intriguing. The image of him standing firm against the criticisms of “highbrow” reviewers while remaining true to his dedicated fanbase resonates with me on a personal level.


Tyler Perry’s most recent movie failed to receive any positive reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, an achievement that apparently doesn’t bother him.

In a recent interview on the “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast, the prosperous movie magnate, renowned for creating the Madea franchise character, expressed greater eagerness for fan feedback than criticisms from elitist reviewers.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve received countless emails from viewers expressing their deep connection to my critiques. They’d exclaim, “This resonated with me so much! You really get me. You seem to understand my life and family in ways no one else does.” These heartfelt messages are the true essence of why I continue to share my thoughts on film.

In my experience as a fan and observer of film, criticisms of Perry’s portrayal of Black characters have been voiced since the beginning of his directorial career. I recall Spike Lee bringing up this issue back in 2009, expressing concern over the stereotypical “buffoonery” found in some Black comedy productions, including Perry’s work. More recently, playwright Michael R. Jackson expressed similar sentiments in his metafictional musical “A Strange Loop,” where he addressed this matter directly towards Perry.

In the title “Tyler Perry’s Real Life Stories,” Jackson’s character, a Broadway usher harboring aspirations as a writer, expresses his disdain for Perry’s works: “The garbage he presents on stage, screens, and television / Makes me want to retch in disgust!”

In his interview with Washington Post Live in 2022, Jackson clarified that the song wasn’t motivated by any personal grudges. Instead, he expressed deep respect for Tyler Perry’s work and acknowledged its significant influence within Black communities, viewing it as a valuable contribution to what Black artists can achieve.

“I just wanted to sort of problematize that and satirize that,” he said.

In response to Palmer bringing up Jackson’s critique of my music, I assured the podcast host, “I am certain that the path I’m following is the right one for me.”

When it comes to critics in general, he continued, it’s best to “drown all that out.”

He expressed that a significant number of his fans feel excluded and cannot attend therapy sessions in Volvos on weekends. On one hand, there’s a critic with a critical stance and an air of superiority. But on the other hand, there are people like himself and those from similar backgrounds who have experienced hardships, with mothers who worked as caregivers for white families and maids or housekeepers.

I strongly believe that every individual’s story holds significance and value, regardless of their race or background. As someone who has had the privilege of hearing many diverse perspectives throughout my life, I find it disheartening when people dismiss the experiences of others by labeling certain stories as insignificant or unworthy of being told.

Corey Hudict, a co-star in Perry’s recent film “Divorce in the Black,” defended the critical backlash against the movie last week by saying, “I make movies for the people and they seem to be enjoying it. If the community is responding positively, then I’m content with that.”

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been following Perry’s podcast comments with great interest. However, I’ve been dismayed by the backlash his comments have received online. Recently, Preston Mitchum from “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” wrote on X, expressing his disappointment in the portrayal of Black stories in cinema. He specifically mentioned a movie where a Black woman from a small town cheated on her husband, contracted HIV, and ended up physically disabled. According to Preston, this is not the groundbreaking Black story we need to see. Instead, he believes that more complex and nuanced stories about the Black experience should be told. I couldn’t agree more with Preston’s perspective. As film enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to demand better representation and more authentic stories for all communities.

Mitchum’s post appears to be about Perry’s 2013 movie titled “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.”

On X’s platform on Wednesday, Palmer came to Perry’s defense against detractors, stating, “It’s not about Tyler (Perry), but rather the challenging system that hinders the success of numerous Black artists simultaneously.”

“I don’t believe Tyler holds the monopoly on black stories; he’s simply one talented artist who managed to make it in an industry that’s historically been exclusive. Encouraging more creators to follow his lead is the real battle, not vilifying Tyler for his popular works.”

In 2019, Perry held a grand inauguration for his 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. His aim was to foster cultural inclusivity within film production, as he shared with The Times back in 2016.

At times, I find myself alone in the car, pondering, “Is this too heavy a burden or just what I’m meant to carry?” Perry mused. Yet, the solution was clear. Upon obtaining this responsibility, he declared, “I must see it through. This is my ultimate goal.”

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2024-07-27 03:38

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