Home > South Florida Movies > Movie Review > Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

Four couples, friends since college, take an annual vacation together to catch up and work on strengthening their marriages. Based on a hit stage play by Tyler Perry (“Diary of a Mad Black Woman”).

Big question: Does "Why Did I Get Married?" offer anything to appeal beyond Perry’s fiercely loyal fanbase?

Skip it: Psychologist and marriage councilor Patricia (Janet Jackson) advises her friends to make a list of everything good and bad their partner has done in order to weigh the true value of their marriage. The husbands pass, but Perry’s film doesn’t quite hold up under the same level of scrutiny. His writing too often succumbs to clichés and greeting-card-ready sentimentality, while his direction is as flat as ever. That short-changes the generally solid efforts of an able ensemble, including Perry himself—out of his familiar Madea drag—as a doctor frustrated with his workaholic wife (played by the very appealing Sharon Leal).

Catch it: For a pretty terrific performance from singer Jill Scott as a plus-sized woman trapped in a loveless marriage. She elevates the film every time she’s on screen, confidently establishing herself as an actress worth watching.

Bottom line: Perry’s films are review-proof and he knows it (the studio doesn’t even bother to screen them for critics). The familiar formulas of “Why Did I Get Married?” should satisfy his fans, but anyone waiting for an artistic leap forward is better off staying home.

Bonus: Apparently tearful speeches aren’t just for televised award shows. Patricia unleashes the waterworks when she receives a highly coveted award from…“Psychology Digest.”

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