Diary Of A Mad Black
Woman (Widescreen)
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: B- Film: B-
Though it starts out dramatically and with an ugly
domestic incident, Diary Of A Mad Black Woman does become a comedy with
author/creator Tyler Perry playing the cross-dressed role of Mabel “Medea”
Simmons. When Helen (the underrated
Kimberly Elise) is dumped and physically thrown out of her house and marriage
of 18 years by her husband Charles (Steve Harris in a thankless role) for a
young airhead, Medea wants revenge before Helen comes to her senses. These senses are clouded by as potential
relationship with the younger, smoother man (Shemar Moore) offers to deliver
some things marriage failed to do.
Cicely Tyson also stars.
Outside of films aimed at families or an assumed Hip Hop
audience that is sometimes there, Diary Of A Mad Black Woman is part of
an increasing cycle of African American films that are more thoughtful and
thought out about storyline and characters, something that has never happened
for its intended audience before.
Instead of being just a big screen version of a TV movie, an audience is
being considered that is theatrical in both its pace and timing. Perry’s screenplay does not have the
artificial peaks of a teleplay and Elise is sympathetic throughout. It may not be groundbreaking, but Diary
Of A Mad Black Woman is thoughtful at a time when too many theatrical films
are shallow and pointless, so it should find the audience on DVD it
deserves. Those expecting a bash-fest
like Waiting To Exhale will be disappointed, though some of the
Christian faith concepts might be more than some audiences will expect. It was never distracting, though, thanks to
Darren Grant competent directing.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image often, if not
always, looks good. The city shots in
the opening credits are impressive and cinematographer David Claessen
definitely has potential. The sound is
here in Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 mixes, with the 5.1 being a bit better. The film was issued in Dolby and DTS, so it
is a shame that DTS is not included on the DVD, but this will suffice. Extras are many and include four
featurettes, a trailer for the Tyler Perry Collection, trailers for
three other Lion’s Gate titles, commentary track by Perry and two outtakes. Diary Of A Mad Black Woman is worth
seeing if you are interested in the material.
- Nicholas Sheffo
