When it comes to comedies, Tyler Perry has conquered just about every topic and holiday whether it be Christmas, Halloween, reunions, witness protection, jail time, divorce and now we have him covering funerals in the form of "A Madea Family Funeral".
A joyous family reunion turns into a hilarious nightmare as Madea (Tyler Perry) and the crew, friend Hattie (Patrice Lovely) and family Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis) and Brian, Joe and Heathrow (all played by Perry) travel to the backwoods of Georgia and unexpectedly plan a funeral, which threatens to reveal sordid family secrets. As these different family dysfunction events start to unfold, it's all that Madea can do to hold her composure. However, we all know that the more Madea attempts to hold her emotions in, the more explosive the situations become. Let the fireworks begin!
Others to round out the cast are Ciera Payton as Sylvia, KJ Smith as Carol, Quin Walters as Renee, Aeriel Miranda as Gia, Courtney Burrell as A.J., Rome Flynn as Jessie, David Otunga as Will, Vermyttya Erahn as Hattie, Jen Harper as Vianne, Derek Morgan as Anthony and Ary Katz as Undertaker.
This was wittily directed and written by veteran director Tyler Perry ("Diary of a Mad Black Woman" '05, "Madea's Family Reunion" '06, "Daddy's Little Girls" '07, "Meet the Browns" '08, "The Family That Preys" '08, "Madea Goes to Jail" '09, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" '09, "Madea's Big Happy Family" '11, "Good Deeds" '12, "Madea's Witness Protection" '12, "Madea Gets a Job" '13, "A Madea Christmas" '13, "Tyler Perry's: Madea on the Run" '17, "Boo 2: A Madea Halloween" '17, "Acrimony" '18, "Nobody's Fool" '18) plus others, TV and videos. According to Perry, this is the last 'Madea' film he will produce. He feels he needs to retire her. He is turning 50 years old and he feels he doesn't want to be doing these films when he reaches the age that Madea is. I truly believe that this is a good call, because the last few 'Madea' films haven't been as fresh and original as the earlier films. This happens to anyone when even a good thing is recreated multiple times. Anything will eventually become not as cutting edge. Now, don't get me wrong, this had many funny moments, but some of the jokes seemed forced and stagy. I really feel that the reason why people like Madea is because she says and does whatever she wants, toward anyone she wants, as much as she wants, whenever she wants and doesn't care of the ramifications. People wish they could be like this but know they can't. So it's like people live their lives vicariously through Madea. I'm sure Perry could make many more of these films, but it's better to end it when they are doing well instead of Perry being forced to stop producing them which would eventually happen. Of all the topics in which to showcase Madea, I would've thought Perry would've delved into the death and funeral topic quicker. There is so much dark humor which can be interjected in the script, which he definitely took advantage of.
For all the Madea fans out there, this will have plenty of foot-in-mouth scenes by the scene stealer herself and has an interesting script. But the best thing, other than the uproarious presence of Madea, are the messages these films convey amongst all the family dysfunction. So, if you are a fan, hit the theaters to see this last film with Madea. You fans will be in film heaven.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 109mins.
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