FOR COLORED GIRLS review thread

Well the first review of FOR COLORED GIRLS has come in, and it's a doozy from The Hollywood Reporter.

"For once, Tyler Perry doesn't put his name above the title, but perhaps he should with "For Colored Girls" to distinguish this train wreck of a movie from the stunning theater piece of 36 years ago by Ntozake Shange."


I'm hoping for better, but not really expecting it.

The Hollywood Reporter: For Colored Girls -- Film Review

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Updated On: 10/22/10 at 01:50 PM

I was hoping against hope that this would be a great film, especially since it's rare now that Whoopi actually acts. Sad...

How disappointing, though I can't say I'm surprised. I'll still see it and hope for the best, though.

"Tyler wishes for the seamlessness of Altman's The Company, a beautiful commentary on life as a constant mode of performance, but when he cuts to Nyla and her teacher, Yasmine, in ballet class, or from some frenetic new episode in one of his character's lives to an opera attended by Jo and her hubby, it's to emphasize little more than the fact that his story is full of nothing but drama—and it makes you want to wail, all Mary J. Blige-like, for no more of it."

http://slantmagazine.com/film/review/for-colored-girls/5127

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Well, I seldom go to the movies, but there a five newbies that had my interest. For Colored Girls, Fair Game, Megamind, Due Date, and 127 Hours. I'll cross For Colored Girls off my list, at least until video.

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An intriguing review:




Real Colored Girls Are Offended And Bored

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This is a really interesting situation with the film. The bad reviews are almost all saying that it is the production design--sets, lighting, etc.--that bring the film down, with some also commenting on Perry focusing on tragedy. You know, the tragedy that exists in the stage play? Some reviewers just seem reluctant to admit that Tyler Perry did anything right as a filmmaker.

The good reviews say it's messy but worthwhile for the performances and the beautiful dramatic poetry. All the actors have received rave reviews and scathing reviews. Even Perry is receiving some raves. In other words, it's a highly polarizing, highly theatrical film that was never, ever going to hit it off with mainstream film critics. I think I'm seeing it in theaters now.

Doesn't anyone ever get bothered by the fact that in Tyler Perry's world, the only wise black women are men?

That NY Times review spent 3 paragraphs defending Perry and his (awful, though popular) films. And I didn't hear one piece of defense that actually answered why his films are so clunky and contrite. I'm sorry, because he comes from the "chitlin' circuit"? I don't care. No one gives musical movies, comic books, or any other adaptation genre a break when they are terrible films. Why should any bar be lowered for him?

I like his films. They are much better than his plays. The problem is he has a "formula" that he doesn't really stray away from. I saw a clip of Janet and wasn't really impressed. Her tirade in "Why Did I Get Married Too" was impressive though.

I was afraid he wasn't going to do this piece justice. But I won't pass judgement until I see it.

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I saw it this morning and have to say that I found it to be an absolutely incredible film. If I didn't know Perry had directed it, I never would have guessed, it really is a departure from his previous films, but that has a lot to do with the source material. I personally enjoyed the use of monologue and how it was done here, but I definitely can see how it would turn some people off. I looked at it the same way as if it were a musical. These women take a break from everyday language to say what they need to in the only way they can at that moment, exactly as if it were song.

The performances were all 100% top notch but special attention must be paid to Kimberly Elise who for years now has shown what a versatile and brilliant actress she is. I hope that even though these reviews haven't been too kind, her performance is remembered come awards season because she truly deserves it. Even Janet Jackson turns in a heartbreaking performance, something Perry hasn't really let her latest films with him (and her only films).

I guess this will just be another one of those movies that I love and everyone else hates. But there's a long list of those... :)

The film was completely beautiful. It kept my father (who definitely has a problem with falling asleep in movies) awake the entire time. Despite the fact that my father and I were the only white boys in the entire cinema in a sold out movie, it was breathless. That wasn't supposed to be racist, just kind of funny in my book.

Go see it, you'll love it. Completely oscar worthy material and made me feel as if I have my life wasn't so bad. The characters are SO easy to relate to. And if you can't relate to one character, you know someone who could relate to that character.

This is a beautiful movie that I personally feel will be recognized for years as a true classic.

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Regardless of some of the terrible reviews, I am still excited to see this film.....Most of the time I dont agree with the reviews I read anyhow.