Review of Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (2008) by Nicole R — 13 Dec 2010

For some reason, I'm usually s sucker for Tyler Perry's trademark brand of broad humor and soap opera drama. "The Family That Preys" is similar in a lot of ways, but the plot is needlessly complicated and it strays too far from the family drama. The business dealings that make up a large part of the story are kept simple enough that they layman can follow the film, but it's not very interesting.

It's always enjoyable watching the great Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard work, but their relationship here seems out of place within the confines of the story. Sanaa Lathan and Robin Givens are both talented as well, but they are wasted in these broad, underwritten roles. I did, however, enjoy Rockmond Dunbar's performance as Lathan's put-upon husband in a role that's easy to root for simply because you hate everyone around him so much. It's that typical manipulative screenwriting that has made Perry so successful over the years.

In traditional Hollywood fashion, by the end everyone gets what's coming to them both good and bad so that everyone can leave the theater happy. I only wish that Perry didn't try to do too much. The melodrama here works, but this is also a road trip, boardroom drama and a disease-of-the-week weepie. Perry fans will find a lot to like, but I can't recommend it.