TOO MANY BLACK FILMS FEATURE INCOMPETENCE AND BUFFOONERY. By Wayne Hodges
HOLLYWOOD – In a few days, two African-American films, for better or worse, are set to hit the box office. ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ will reach the big screen on April 22nd. And ‘Jumping the Broom’ will premiere a couple weeks later on May 6th. Haven’t seen the trailers. Haven’t read a synopsis.
But I’m willing to bet your paycheck (and mine) both films will showcase the typical, boring, mundane relationship theme that has dissolved into the comical norm of contemporary black films.
QUESTION: Are there any black writers in Hollywood mentally capable of putting together a decent movie script?
Gimminee Christmas!
How many relationship flics do we need?
Perhaps the excess supply of romance films would be a little easier to stomach if we weren’t forced to endure the same damn cast of characters over and over again. If you watch a black film today, it will most likely feature an actor or actress from a short list of candidates that includes Loretta Devine, Mike Epps, Angela Bassett, Morris Chestnut, Regina King, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union (which is ok, lol), Taraji P. Henson, Jenifer Lewis, Bow Wow and a few others.
Film producer Tyler Perry must have them all on speed dial.
Speaking of Perry, my opinion of the soon-to-be billionaire is bittersweet. For starters, I commend his efforts in addressing the black unemployment problem (something the Obama Administration refuses to do). Word on the street claims Perry has an African-American staff managing his operation.
With black joblessness marinating at a swollen 16%, Perry is obviously the only one hiring Negroes.
*Editor’s Note: Public perception of President Barack Obama is completely off base. As African-Americans, we simply refuse to accept the fact he’s biracial, not black. Whites have as much claim as we do. Look, Obama doesn’t share the same experiences of your typical black male. He’s simply a rich Harvard grad surrounded by a fraternity of Ivy League yuppies in Congress. Meaning? All of his friends are wealthy. All of them. Hell, for all we know, Obama probably spends his leisure time downing expensive cocktails after work with his Republican counterparts. This could explain the logic behind his controversial decision to extend the ‘Bush Tax Cuts’ which feature significant tax incentives for the rich. Hate to be the bearer of bad news. But Obama is not for the poor. His policies protect the wealthy. Moving on…
At the time of release, the film ‘Family that Preys’ appeared to be a nice coming-out party for Perry. Unlike his other movies, this production gave special prominence to a creative storyline coupled with a diverse collection of actors, which included the talented Kathy Bates and Cole Houser.
Since then, Perry has gone “ghetto” in taking two steps back. The film “Madea goes to Jail,” which featured the Cosby Show’s Rudy Huxtable as a prostitute, was a complete disaster.
Think about it.
Little Rudy played a hooker.
That’s equivalent to Beaver Cleaver playing a pimp on HBO’s ‘G-String Divas.’
All that being said, I still applaud the gospel touch that has become somewhat synonymous with Perry’s productions. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s still difficult to ignore the multitude of spiritual messages that are typically inserted into his films. This includes clips underscoring the pains associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child neglect and family dysfunction.
Conversely, Perry’s movies depict the same, tired “lonely woman meets desperate male darkhorse” theme. My goodness. Dr. Seuss has written more intricate storylines than Perry. And it’s really getting old.
Another Madea film?
Another sexually-confused male, dressed in drag, representing Black America?
WTH? Are you serious?
Look, the goal is not to bash Perry. Dude is prolific. Can’t hate. Just calling it like it is. The man has made ‘boo-coo’ bucks formulating such romantic fairy-tales as ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’ to boost the sensitive egos of low self-esteem, lonely, hungry ‘Waiting to Exhale’ black women.
It’s sort of like the desolate, nerdy recluse who feels he’s completely incapable of attracting a fine woman. Rather than step-up his game, he decides to visit internet porn sites regularly just to jack off.
See where I’m coming from?
Under these delusional, solitary circumstances, internet porn serves as the “5 Star Chick” he’ll never get.
The same is also true with Perry’s films.
With 70% of black women mired in ’single’ status, too many damsels attend Perry’s productions with the sole intent of receiving the type of male love and affection they don’t or won’t get at home. Like the recluse after an ejaculation, most of Perry’s fans leave the movie theater with pleasant thoughts and visual orgasms that instantly expire the very moment they reach the auditorium’s exit doors.
In other words, fantasy over.
It’s back to being lonely.
I would imagine the inept recluse knows that empty feeling all too well. This scenario alone explains why I consider it an imperative for blacks to deviate from the production and dissemination of corny, false relationship films. Gee whiz, there are so many other intriguing topics to choose from.
Why not write about business, parenting, education, sports, action-adventure, etc.
After all, building healthy relationships is obviously not our area of expertise.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of MassAppealNews.com. He also serves as District Committee Delegate in Johnson County and he’s an adjunct professor in Kansas City.
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