On DVD: Diary of A Mad Black Woman

Written and Directed by Tyler Perry Diary of A Mad Black Woman follows a high society woman and her break up with her super rich husband. The "mad" woman is played flawlessly by TV veteren Kimberly Elise and the dastardly husband is Steve Harris, Eugene from The Practice. The husband is rich and powerful and decides to dump his wife for a younger model and kicks his bride out on the street with nothing. The distraught wife goes back to her roots and discovers gifts more valuable than all the money she is detached from, she discovers not only herself but family as well.
This often told story would be just that, an often told story, if not for the humane and insightful touch added by Tyler Perry, Perry himself plays three roles in the film. He is the crusty old "Joe", he is the abandonded wife's attorney and most importantly he is "Madea"..the matriarch of the neighborhood where most of the film takes place. It is Perry's touch and performance that breaths new life into this story and makes "Diary" one of the most enjoyable films of the year. The film is funny, sad, tragic and triumphant all at the same time. Every single performance ( including the understated Cicely Tyson) is easy to watch and perfectly written and acted. Perry has created a film that the entire family can watch and enjoy together. This is movie making at its finest for me, no obnoxious soundtrack, no cheap hollywood gimmicks, just good writing and acting and a story that is true to itself through and through.
Rent the DVD and take time to view that extras that tells Perry's story, that will give you some insight into the man that has created such a wonderful film. Diary of a Mad Black Woman is a must see movie.

On DVD: Crash

Several different characters from different racial backgrounds are all fused together in one of the best films of 2004. Crash gives an up front and in your face account of racial stereotypes and bigotry in a dark and sometimes somber and disturbing way. Writer, Director Paul Haggis manages to create complicated characters each with their own strengths and weaknesses, making it hard to truly like or dislike most of them. Almost every scene tugs at the viewers emotions and stirs up thoughts about race in America. The ensemble cast ( Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard, Jennifer Espisito) all have dead on performances that are both entertaining and thought provoking at the same time. Dark, heavy and intense, Crash is one of the best films on the shelves today.