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Can Tyler Perry’s piece of the pie get bigger?

Can Tyler Perry grow his audience?

That’s the question posed today in the Hollywood Reporter, which while acknowledging the Atlanta filmmaker’s box office power and fan base, wonders if his material can be tweaked to attract the mainstream.

“Perry finds himself at a good news-bad news crossroads,” the Hollywood Reporter story says.

He can be counted on to bring in black audiences and millions of dollars. To date, his latest comedy “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” has earned more than $33 million. But mainstream audiences have yet to really embrace Perry’s films.

The movie he’s making now in Atlanta — “The Family That Preys” — has Oscar winner Kathy Bates in the cast and is an original screenplay.

I think much of Perry’s audience might wonder — what’s the problem?

Perry serves an audience that Hollywood couldn’t or wouldn’t. He makes millions of dollars. And his films are as successful or more successful than movies directed by, say, George Clooney.

Do you think Tyler Perry should seek a wider audience? Does he need to change his material?

Permalink | Comments (77) | Post your comment | Categories: Bob Longino

Comments

By James

April 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Who’s Tyler Perry?

By Tehj

April 2, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

No…whats the next topic.

By Tehj

April 2, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

No…whats the next topic.

By Sonia

April 2, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Why should he? The fornula he has is working for him and his fans. He is making the type of films that his spirit is leading to him to make. If it ain’t broke, why fix it!!! Maybe mainstream needs to flow in one of the sidestreams for a minute.

By Minister Louis Adams

April 2, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Tyler Perry is doing what God called him to do. He goes where other film makers are afraid to go. Its good to see films that portray “African Amercans” with taste. He knows something that the “Mainstream Media” does not know!!!

By Kita

April 2, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Really, I am beginning to understand more and more than most “mainstream” audiences and producers have their heads in the sand. The truth is that most minority communities have folks who are putting out great movies concerning their culture and the way that they see their lives or the experiences that they have. When or if he gets ready to concern himself with other issues or address them he should do what he does well. I wish the other ethnic group folks would push their people to go a bit more mainstream (because for YEARS only blacks new about and went to see Tyler’s plays) so “mainstream” would stop thinking that blacks/ African Americans talking about their lives, laughing, crying and addressing their concerns and not always being so concerned about “mainstream” ideologies is NOT only a black/ African American thing. All minorities want to see themselves and their lives - not the caricatures that they often see - on the big screen. And they do. The mainstream simply does NOT know about it.

By C.I.

April 2, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Tyler needs to keep doing what he’s doing. The reality of the matter is those folks for major studios have no clue what the public wants to see. For so long they’ve “allowed” us to see what they felt we wanted to see. Those demographics that did not “bring in” the dollars were not catered to. Not only is Tyler making feel good movies for that portray American blacks in a positive light but he also gives work to deserving seasoned actors that “Hollywood” deems unprofitable. This Hollywood writer is just mad because Tyler can do what he wants and does not have to answer to a “studio” to see his visions come to fruition. If only more blacks could understand what Tyler has proved… and that is that you don’t have to be accepted or acknowledged by the “main stream/white America” to validate your success.

By relada

April 2, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Huh?

By Jody

April 2, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

No is my answer, but it’s entirely up to Mr. Perry. Who says you’re not successful until mainstream media accepts you? They didn’t want to cater to the African-American Community, now they want this highly successful filmmaker, director, actor, playwright to gear his work toward mainstream? Tell mainstream to gear their behinds toward Mr. Perry!!!

By Fay

April 2, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

For years, the mainstream haven’t given African American actresses/actors the opportunity to do what God has given them the ability to do. God gave Tyler Perry to ability and the mindset to include his race and other races in movies that shows society what really happens in an African American home (postively and negatively). Thank God for Tyler Perry and those he has prayed about to include in his cast. As a African-American female, I have always been versatile in the movies that I watch, because I had no other choice what to grow watching what society has allowed to be shown, etc. Maybe the other part of society should decide to move from one room in the theatre to watch what an awesome and intelligent African-American male has done with less money, but more talent. Give it to Tyler Perry he is a great and positive success.

By Al

April 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Would the Hollywood Reporter write the same thing about Woody Allen and his films?

By latarsha

April 2, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

hell no! mainstream has been doing what it wants to do…why should he tailor his craft to make white people happy, until he came along talented black actors were not hardly working.

By Cal

April 2, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

He can be counted on to bring in black audiences and millions of dollars. To date, his latest comedy “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” has earned more than $33 million. But mainstream audiences have yet to really embrace Perry’s films.

Mr. Longino chose to use the phrases in the above quote; Black audiences, and mainstream audiences. My question to Mr. Longingo, what is mainstream audiences, since you was so direct in identifying and signaling out Black audiences? Mainstream seems mighty coded to me.

By Donovan

April 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I don’t think he needs to widen his audience per se, but he definitely needs to find some new material. All of his movies are basically the same. He really does need to step up his game.

By die hard Mr Brown fan

April 2, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Tyler Perry take on a project that rival the Matrix’s trilogy or a remake of Hotel California. Just my 2 cents.

He have the ability to crossover if he chose to take a risk.

But not every movie is going to hit a homerun out of the park.

By Downtown Guy

April 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

The question in and of itself is flawed.

As far as I’m concerned, Tyler Perry’s movies are mainstream stories about American families, situations and slices of life.

That fact that Hollywood chooses to categorize his films as something other than mainstream says more about what’s wrong with Hollywood and the people that control it than it does about Mr. Perry or his audiences.

When Milton Berle, Sid Ceasar, Red Skelton and the rest dressed in drag to promote laughter in homes across America in the 50’s, I dare say they weren’t marginalized by Hollywood moguls as being out of the mainstream. They made the country laugh.

Mr. Perry’s stories are no less part of the American mainstream.

By Neal

April 2, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’LL TELL YOU WHAT I THINK…..I THINK THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER IS FULL OF CRAP! HOLLYWOOD IS FURIOUS WITH TYLER PERRY BECAUSE HE DIDN’T GO THROUGH THEM TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL. THEY TOLD HIM THAT BLACKS DIDN’T GO TO THE MOVIES AND NO ONE WOULD SUPPORT HIS FILMS. THEY ALSO WANTED TO CHANGE HIS SCRIPTS. HOLLYWOOD CAN’T STAND THE FACT THAT EVERYONE OF HIS FILMS DEBUTED AT #1 AND THEY COULDN’T TAKE THE CREDIT. THE NEWS ARTICLE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER IS NOTHING BUT PURE JEALOUSY AND HATE…..KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOUR ARE DOING TYLER, WE LOVE YOU MAN*

By Pepper

April 2, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

I agree with the prior comments. Why should he tailor his God-given talent to pacify white hollywood?

By Reg

April 2, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

It’s called target marketing fool. He has used it all the way to the bank. Why on earth would he try to rebuild the street already paved with gold? Tom Clancy does /military political stuff and no one asks him to “crossover” to romance novels do they?

By Reg

April 2, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

It’s called target marketing fool. He has used it all the way to the bank. Why on earth would he try to rebuild the street already paved with gold? Tom Clancy does /military political stuff and no one asks him to “crossover” to romance novels do they?

By l. woods

April 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I agree with one of the others who said Tyler needs to step up his game. His movies and plays all have the same basic theme. I enjoy everything that has been put out by Mr. Perry. No one loves “madea” like me and my family, but i see mr Perry as a much more accomplished film maker and he could influence more than his present audience. If you can’t interest mainstream america in getting on the madea bandwagon, how will we enlighted them as to how our community really is and what great talent we have in Mr. Perry.

By T

April 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

What is mainstream?

By One

April 2, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I agree with y’all……………haters everywhere we go, haters everywhere we go……… Don’t hate the playa, hate the game…………and Tyler’s winning the game, without Hollywood!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By T

April 2, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

What is a mainstream audience? And why do minorities have to go mainstream? Are other prducers pressured to target to a minority audience? The answer is No. You reporters are always trying to plant a seed. Next Topic, please.

By Educated Thugz

April 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Mr Longino, you answered the question you just asked……and I quote…”He makes millions of dollars. And his films are as successful or more successful than movies directed by, say, George Clooney.”

If it aint broke, don’t fix it. It amazes me how writers like to “instigate” stuff with with those suttle racial innuendos. You guys are too much for me. Keep doin what you do T.P. Just keep those good movies and the T.P.Show’s episodes current and we all good with you.

By Linda

April 2, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I am a white middle class woman and I love Mr. Perry’s movies. He has a natural talent and utilizes Atlanta to it’s fullest. Like the old adage goes, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. I also am wondering what exactly is a mainstream audience?

By Esther

April 2, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. Perry should continue to do what he does. There is a real NEED for the Black community to see ourselves reflected in honest, uplifting movies. Mr. Perry’s movies are very entertaining, carry a message and makes you think. Why not continue!! The Black community is often characterized as uncaring and not responsible. Mr. Perry shows our culture in a good way and proves we are VERY caring, nuturing and we believe in family, however dysfunctional we may sometimes be. Perhaps the naysayers should consider that we, as a country, have a long way to go when it comes to understanding each other’s cultures.

By william lewis

April 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Tyler Perry needs to do what he enjoys doing.If he enjoys making movies about the African American experience then he should continue doing it. I never heard anyone criticize/suggest a white hollywood producer/writer reach out and make a film that African Americans can embrace. Tyler Perry is doing what he enjoys and is making millions doing it.He is reaching an audience that Hollywood never cared about. Why should he change his target audience? Jealousy is behind the negative talk about Mr. Perry. Keep on doing what you are doing Tyler because you are proving that we do not need Hollywood to validate us. Keep Hollywood and give us TYLER PERRY.

By Betty J. Banks

April 2, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

He doesn’t need to change a thing - if it ain’t broke - don’t fix it!!!!

Success is keeping it simple - he has a formula that is working - I say “WORK IT” MY BROTHER!!!!!

By Betty J Banks

April 2, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

He doesn’t need to change a thing - if it ain’t broke - don’t fix it!!!!

Success is keeping it simple - he has a formula that is working - I say “WORK IT” MY BROTHER!!!!!

By Seriously??

April 2, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Would you ask if Anthony Minghella should have changed his material? Or Roman Polanski or Clint Eastwood? Mr. Perry makes what he makes. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.

By jeed

April 2, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

This is a crazy inquisition. All movies have a ‘target’ audience that is usually NOT all-inclusive. So, you state he attracts a ‘black’ audience but not a mainstream one? Are those two things mutually exclusive?

Like Linda posted, I need to know what a “mainstream” audience is for a movie.

I don’t know where to start on this idiocy…

By kerry

April 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

no, he shouldn’t. his movies SUCK, whether you are black or white.

By anonymous

April 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

If Mr. Perry’s movies are making more money than Mr. Clooney’s, then shouldn’t the question be “Should Mr. Clooney change his material?”.

By Rafael Jaimes

April 2, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

No, Tyler Perry needs to continue to show that there are good african americans. It’s not all about the thug lifestyle, that is becoming old. I think he is doing and outstanding job. FYI; I am hispanic and I enjoy his movies and support his movies.

By ad-hoc

April 2, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Why is this a question? This guy is not making real movies! Yeah, they make money, but that’s only because for some reason, we love the chitlin circuit. I’ll never be able to understand it so I’ve stopped trying.

People would flock to see those crazy a## plays starring Melba Moore and now they flock to these movies. My people PERISH from lack of knowledge…

By Lisa Wilson

April 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

No, I don’t think Mr. Perry should change his material. The morality (even in the comedic light in which it is portrayed)in his screenplays speaks across ethnic and/or color lines. I think that if he continues to broaden his character base to include people of all ethnic backgrounds (e.g. the use of Kathy Bates in this latest film in production), his audience will grow with him.

By soth

April 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Really Who Cares!!!!

By FRED

April 2, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

YEAH!! Mr. Longino what is the difference between a black audience and a mainstream audience?? Enlighten us please…

By FRED

April 2, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

YEAH!! Mr. Longino what is the difference between a black audience and a mainstream audience?? Enlighten us please…

By BRICH

April 2, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Why is it when a black person is sucessful in something we have to include white people in it. White people never include black people in there stuff. It happens on jobs as well as in the entertainment business. White folks need to stop felling so threaten by our sucess as a black generation. Get a grip and leave Mr. Perry to his business.

By BRICH

April 2, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Why is it when a black person is sucessful in something we have to include white people in it. White people never include black people in there stuff. It happens on jobs as well as in the entertainment business. White folks need to stop felling so threaten by our sucess as a black generation. Get a grip and leave Mr. Perry to his business.

By BRICH

April 2, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Why is it when a black person is sucessful in something we have to include white people in it. White people never include black people in there stuff. It happens on jobs as well as in the entertainment business. White folks need to stop felling so threaten by our sucess as a black generation. Get a grip and leave Mr. Perry to his business.

By BRICH

April 2, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Why is it when a black person is sucessful in something we have to include white people in it. White people never include black people in there stuff. It happens on jobs as well as in the entertainment business. White folks need to stop felling so threaten by our sucess as a black generation. Get a grip and leave Mr. Perry to his business.

By sharon

April 2, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

My suggestion to Tyler is: enough of the mean, hateful, black men in your movies. As for whether or not he should broaden his audience, I’m on the fence. I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

By Cynthia

April 2, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with Downtown Guy. Tyler Perry’s stories are mainstream with minority actors playing the roles. What bothers me is that unless there are white actors, then it isn’t considered a mainstream story. I find the lessons in love, life and faith universal.

However, I do think Mr. Perry has an opportunity to draw in new fans. He is apparently meeting the needs of his base. And I think, others that don’t see his movies are missing out. He can take his message to a broader audience if he so chooses and make people question why they aren’t as open to his movies. He could write a story that has a prominent white character portrayed by a popular white actor or actress and challenge this very topic.

By Kgt

April 2, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Hey, how about this? Can “mainstream” (and we all know what that means)Hollywood step up THEIR game. Why must Mr. Perry change? Why can’t “mainstream” attempt to embrace us?! And I’m not talking about dumb movies, but something with some substance? I for one think that his movies are universal. I think the problem that Hollywood has, is that there aren’t enough “mainstream” actors and they aren’t getting their “mainstream” money! Hang tight Tyler, I got your back on this one…

By Kgt

April 2, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Hey, how about this? Can “mainstream” (and we all know what that means)Hollywood step up THEIR game. Why must Mr. Perry change? Why can’t “mainstream” attempt to embrace us?! And I’m not talking about dumb movies, but something with some substance? I for one think that his movies are universal. I think the problem that Hollywood has, is that there aren’t enough “mainstream” actors and they aren’t getting their “mainstream” money! Hang tight Tyler, I got your back on this one…

By Howie

April 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick will be found innocent. He was framed by the NBA.

By davey

April 2, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Personally, I am not a Tyler Perry fan. His success is targeting a specific audience, black and church going. I do not fit his audience. If he sees a need to do more mainstream work, then he may need to follow in the shoes of Spike Lee and Anton Fuqua. But I doubt if he’s even interested in doing that. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. What does the Hollywood Reporter know anyway.

By Tonia

April 2, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I truly have not attended movies so much in my life until Tyler Perry. I think he should do whatever he feels is right, I trust his judgment.

By MusicEd

April 2, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Mr. Longino-I don’t see why you bother to even ask that question. Black folks love to see themselves on TV in roles that show us as baby mommas, lazy men and, oh yea…man dressed in drag.

I see black folks on here defending Mr Perry like he’s going to put that 33 million he just made at the box office back in the community. Sounds to me he is exploiting the problems of our community and making big bucks off of it. Blacks will go for anything!!

By Hotlanta

April 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Let him try the mainsteaming if he wants to. He better look what happened to Lionel Richie’s last album and get a clue. I don’t know not one AA who would buy a ticket if he went on tour. Do like Frankie Berry and Maze baby, stick with what works.

By Vic

April 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I can’t say that I know what causes white people to like a particular movie. I think they like romantic comedies, T. Perry has done that. I think they like dramatic movies, T. Perry has done that as well.

The only conclusion I can come up with is that when they see a cast that is majority black, that might cause them to consciously or subconsciously think they wouldn’t enjoy the movie or couldn’t relate to it. But I think they would really enjoy his movies, and I know quite a few white brethren who enjoy them.

It’s similar to Spike Lee and his movies until he did “Inside Job”.

By Hotlanta

April 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Let him try the mainsteaming if he wants to. He better look what happened to Lionel Richie’s last album and get a clue. I don’t know not one AA who would buy a ticket if he went on tour. Do like Frankie Berry and Maze baby, stick with what works.

By Hotlanta

April 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Let him try the mainsteaming if he wants to. He better look what happened to Lionel Richie’s last album and get a clue. I don’t know not one AA who would buy a ticket if he went on tour. Do like Frankie Berry and Maze baby, stick with what works.

By Hotlanta

April 2, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Let him try the mainsteaming if he wants to. He better look what happened to Lionel Richie’s last album and get a clue. I don’t know not one AA who would buy a ticket if he went on tour. Do like Frankie Berry and Maze baby, stick with what works.

By jbean3

April 2, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Why should Tyler Perry give up what he does best to bring in “mainstream”?? White directors/producers don’t give black actresses/actors the plum roles because they don’t see the possibilty of winning awards or box office money. Also, “mainstream” is just angry because Tyler did it his way and succeeded - just like singers who write/produce/sell their music without an agent or a record company. Continue your success, Tyler, the way you know how!

By chasityncl

April 2, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Why would he need to. Dont try to fix something thats not broke. Just like most writers you write what you can relate to and who you want to relate with…..end of story. Stop looking for something negative, because a Black man is successful and as usual the white man can’t figure it out. Remember everything a black person touches becomes a success that’s why the white man is so threatened by the black man.

By cath

April 2, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Everybody, hold oh. Ponder this… I watch my TP movies in Alpharetta. There are just as many white people in the theaters as blacks and hispanics. Who says TP is not reaching a non-black audience. In fact, I was very tempted to offer a tissue to the older white woman sitting next to me a couple Fridays ago. She was balling like a two year old when Angela Basset was kicking her son out of the house. Don’t buy into this line of thinking. TP already has a broad fan base that is continually growing.

By Matt

April 2, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Tyler Perry works outside the studio system because it allows him to make the movies he wants to make the way he wants to make him. As long as it works for him, more power to him. The only thing that may inhibit that is his need to keep his budgets in check. The cold hard financial fact is that every one of his films have suffered massive drop offs after their strong bows. Meet the Browns dropped over 61% at the box office during its second week, showing that has not yet crossed over beyond his core audience. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, and I’m confident that he will eventually gain a wider audience (he’s rumored to be working on a horror script), the fact of the matter is that if he and the studio who distributes his films (LionsGate) begin to lose money, he’s either going to need to re-work his formula or find something else to do.

By Nicole

April 3, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

It is amazing to me how “mainstream” always seems to creep in when things turn around. When Tyler first came out with his plays, “mainstream” didn’t want to give him a chance or have any part in his material. We as a community supported him from the beginning because we understand the material as it spoke directly to us, our relationships, experiences and lives. Tyler has addressed an issue and market that “mainstream” simply overlooked in most cases. Only “certain” actors got roles of distinction and material with substance. When Tyler put his first play on screen, “mainstream” thought for sure it would be a flop or on-time thing. They never expected him to be as successful as he has been. Now that he has proven himself to be a true force in film making with an overwhelming following and fan base, all of a sudden “mainstream” wants a piece of the pie. Wow - only in America! To Tyler, I say, I love your work. I love you for being who you are and telling your story your way. I love you for making films that people of all colors and nationalities can really relate to (if they choose to go see what your stuff is about). I love you for following your heart and your dream. I love you for allowing God to be the captain of your ship and letting him use you to do the work you are doing. Bottom line is, I trust that you will do what you feel is best for your career and your work; no matter what that may be, you have a fan for life in me. Bye the way, I can’t wait to see your new play coming to Atlanta this spring!

By Nicole

April 3, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

It is amazing to me how “mainstream” always seems to creep in when things turn around. When Tyler first came out with his plays, “mainstream” didn’t want to give him a chance or have any part in his material. We as a community supported him from the beginning because we understand the material as it spoke directly to us, our relationships, experiences and lives. Tyler has addressed an issue and market that “mainstream” simply overlooked in most cases. Only “certain” actors got roles of distinction and material with substance. When Tyler put his first play on screen, “mainstream” thought for sure it would be a flop or on-time thing. They never expected him to be as successful as he has been. Now that he has proven himself to be a true force in film making with an overwhelming following and fan base, all of a sudden “mainstream” wants a piece of the pie. Wow - only in America! To Tyler, I say, I love your work. I love you for being who you are and telling your story your way. I love you for making films that people of all colors and nationalities can really relate to (if they choose to go see what your stuff is about). I love you for following your heart and your dream. I love you for allowing God to be the captain of your ship and letting him use you to do the work you are doing. Bottom line is, I trust that you will do what you feel is best for your career and your work; no matter what that may be, you have a fan for life in me. Bye the way, I can’t wait to see your new play coming to Atlanta this spring!

By Tanya

April 3, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Why is it that no one ever asks if mainstream should try to appeal to a more diverse audience? The messages have universal appeal and if mainstream is to prejudiced to receive that message from a “less than mainstream” cast than they can keep watching Friends and Seinfeld!

By Doris

April 3, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Black people are mainstream!! In the words or my people “KEEP ON, KEEPING ON” We love and support our brother.

Love you Tyler!

By Vincent

April 3, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Tyler is doing just fine. Instead of Tyler embracing Hollywood, why don’t Hollywood embrace Tyler, since he is successful.

By AB

April 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Why do we have to go to mainstream, why doesn’t mainstream come to us?

By Sheena

April 3, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Tyler Perry is doing a wonderful job with his plays and movies, so Tyler keep them coming. Do you.

By Huh?

April 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Why does mainstream have to embrace Tyler? He has done well on his own and by himself for himself. Again, huh and why?

By Smack

April 4, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

This is quite interesting. Mainstream, I would like to think that Tyler Perry movies are mainstream. They appeal to all audiences. I’ve scene all races buy his DVDs and attend his movies. True, the majority of people attending his movies are African American, but we are just as mainstream as everyone else. I’ll never sell myself short, and Tyler Perry should not either. make movies that appeals to the heart, not your wallet. If that means adding whites to your cast, then fine, as long as they can make folks or all races come together and enjoy a good movie.

By Smack

April 4, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

This is quite interesting. Mainstream, I would like to think that Tyler Perry movies are mainstream. They appeal to all audiences. I’ve scene all races buy his DVDs and attend his movies. True, the majority of people attending his movies are African American, but we are just as mainstream as everyone else. I’ll never sell myself short, and Tyler Perry should not either. Make movies that appeals to the heart, not your wallet. If that means adding whites to your cast, then fine, as long as they can make folks or all races come together and enjoy a good movie.

By Smack

April 4, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

This is quite interesting. Mainstream, I would like to think that Tyler Perry movies are mainstream. They appeal to all audiences. I’ve scene all races buy his DVDs and attend his movies. True, the majority of people attending his movies are African American, but we are just as mainstream as everyone else. I’ll never sell myself short, and Tyler Perry should not either. Make movies that appeals to the heart, not your wallet. If that means adding whites actors/actresses to your cast, then fine, as long as they can make folks of all races come together and enjoy a good movie, I’m all for it. Its too much division in America as it is, and our hate won’t get anything accomplished as any other hate. Until we all get a grip, and realize we all must learn to tolerate, live, understand, and (gup) love each other, then the killings, shootings, and senseless acts of violence will continue to plague our lives. Wake up folks, it’s truly about character.

By Fulton

April 4, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but TP movies do not reflect all black families, anymore than Scorsese movies depict all Italians. Altough his storylines are mostly positive, I find his characters & dialog a bit too stereotypical for my taste. While I am happy for his success (so don’t label me a hater), I don’t regularly patronize his movies, as I’ve only seen two. I’d guess (& could be wrong) his movies are more popular in the South than anywhere else??

By Tyler Perry

April 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

I would to ask all the White people to leave the theater.

By Tyler Perry

April 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I meant I would like to ask all the White people to leave the theater.

By Me

April 4, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

As a movie-goer (though not as frequently as I used to), I wish Tyler would have more story lines. And as a Black person, I HATE that his Madea movies draw more folks than his more serious movies without Madea. That speaks to the foolishness of some of our people. I’m just TIRED of all the loud people images, always acting silly. But you can’t knock him so much, because he rose above his circumstances and is a financial success. I hear that he’s not a nice person, one-on-one, though; good to his employees, but not generally nice when off camera or doing interviews. I don’t know; never met him.

At least he gives people somthing other than pimp-daddy shoot’em ups. But I do feel the Madea character is just a slightly better Norbit, which was a disgrace and denigrated Black women. IMO, Madea ain’t that much better, “she” just promotes family.

We need MORE Black producers, etc. to project positive images; TP doesn’t always do that (despite what he/some think), but he’s better than many previous Black films.

By wow gold

May 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

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