While I find it refreshing that finally a film made by black filmmakers financed by black producers and concerning mainly black characters, it's just too bad all they have is this junk. When Chris Rock went on his riff a few weeks ago at the Oscars about how white people get real movies and black people get crap, this proves it. While the movie seems to make no adherence to a general audience and indeed seems made for a certain crowd who are Tyler Perry-fans, I just didn't find it compelling or well-made. The direction is flat and lazy, with most of it playing cheesy montages (which "Team America: World Police" ruined forever) while playing Z-grade Jill Scott wannabes crooning on the soundtrack. The halfway twist concerning Steve Harris' character is (as Chad S. said below) straight out of Douglas Sirk movie, except without the irony or intelligence. The tone and style is all over the map with really no attention played towards editing individual scenes together in a coherent way. The Madea character has some funny moments, but for the most part the banter between her and her brother is like leftovers from one of the House Party or Friday movies. All in all there are a lot of other good movies playing near you, so please see them instead.… Expand

"Diary of a Mad Black Woman" plays like a juxtaposition of "Big Momma's House", and an homage to some alternative history in which the stylings of Douglas Sirk when Helen(Kimberley Elise) returns to Charles (Steve Harris), there's a faint echo of "All That Heaven Allows) was adopted as a counterpoint to the crime-driven blaxploitation films of the seventies. "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" is not your typical unsuccessful film; in fact, it's fascinating because there's no white villian in the movie that's "keeping the black man down". It's the power structure of Hollywood that's the inferred antagonist. Tyler Perry's portrayal of multiple characters like Eddie Murphy's Klumps from "The Nutty Professor," could be taken as a criticism of Murphy, who's been accused in the past of not using his clout to help more African-Americans in the industry. By viewing "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" from the vantage point of cultural studies in film theory, screenwriter Tyler Perry and filmmaker Darren Grant has given the academics in film a lot to talk about.… Expand

If you rate a movie according how much money it makes over a weekend, you will never understand what makes a good film. I enjoyed films like Kingdom Come, Boyz N the Hood, Soul Plane, The Color Purple, Undercover Brother, and Barbershop. My general disdain for this film has nothing to do with an inability to grasp the intricate subtleties of black culture and comedy. It stems from my general dislike for films that try to merge multiple genres without any success. Time and again this film creates awkward situations in its patronizing attempt to pander to the audience. This could've been a great movie without throwing in a wacky cartoon grandma played by a man, a character which clearly belonged in another story. Maybe Grandma's House or The Nutty Professor. Drama and comedy can work seamlessly, but only when done right, like in Barbershop or Jerry Maguire. This film is more like The Second Civil War, another flick that tried to blend comedy and drama, but bombed at it. Never heard of it? There's a reason why. And it's for the same reason that this film should be shelved.… Expand

This movie is one of my favorites. I strongly disagree with the critics. I thought it was great. Most movies coming out now have no point. This one makes you laugh, makes you cry, and just makes you all tingley inside.

You cry and laugh...laugh and cry...great movie.

A horrific and distasteful film. Yes, distasteful i.e. blatant humiliation and physical cruelty to a paraplegic by the protagonist.

I must be the only member of Tyler Perry's friends and family (see the votes below) who didn't like this stinker. Oh well. What can you do??

This movie was great. It was a perfect blend of drama and comedy. I don't know what the critics are talking about!

This movie was great. I loved it!!! I expected nothing less than what I got. Tyler is so talented and this is his God given gift and he is using it to the MAX!! Thanks Tyler for giving your people what we love!!!

This movie is what it is, a comedy. No deep life meaning just funny.

Total garbage...Thank God I didn't have to pay to see this garbage...just plain stupid.

Wonderful movie, if you do not understand the many layers of Black Folk as a culture and community, then you will never understand why this movie made 22.7 MILLION DOLLARS in one weekend.

I really enjoyed this movie. I enjoy all his plays. Tyler Perry is very creative and is a good writer. This was one of the best movies I've seen.

Incredibly stupid, schizoid mess of a movie. Tyler whats his name should be stoned for cheapening Christianity like this. Note that this is coming from a not so religious person. Just one with a fair taste in what a movie should be.

You have to go outside your world and enter ours, then you will understand this wonderfil movie!!!!

White this movie wasn't Hollywood 'perfect', it sure was entertaining and wonderful. I never liked any of the Perry plays--too crass-I thought. So I approached seeing the movie with all sorts of bias. But I loved it enough to say so in print. It was a movie that touched on a lot of things about black life that only blacks would understand. It touched on our faith, our foibles, our fears and our abilitiy to survive. It was a great love story too with lines every brother and sister will be quoting for the next few years. "I pray for you more than I pray for myself....and when you smile...etc. I loved the cast. Kimberly Elise is the new girl to watch. Tyler Perry? I have gained a respect for him and his comedy and drama. I know why people flocked to his productions. He's a terrific actor too.… Expand

I've seen some comments where people say it's too religious or too churchy. H-e-l-l-o! It is a christian movie. The whole fucus is love. The bible says we can identify christians by their "attitude" of love. As seen in the movie, forgiveness is his the "root" of love. This visual sermon use have touched everyone's heart.

This movie is something everybody should take the time and see. What I liked best about it is it explains real life situations. It explains how people can pull thru the toughest times in their lives and still come out the winners. It might also make you think about your own life and your situations.

Diary Of A Mad Black Woman; my new favourite movie. Tyler Perry is so amazing and I really can't believe he wrote this movie himself, and wrote half the songs in it, and plays three kick ass characters. He is so talented! The movie takes place in his actual house (which is bigger than Oprah's), and six years ago he was homeless?? If you haven't already seen this movie, you absolutely HAVE to, it is the best movie I've ever seen. I rented this movie and loved it so much that I went out and bought it to own the very same day. Everyone seriously needs to see this movie!! My favourite line would have to be: "Sometimes, we hold onto the things that God himself is trying to tear apart." - Tyler Perry . . . I'm not black, you don't have to be black to understand black culture.. this movie is not an "insult" to black or white, its simply a masterpiece. This movie intrigued me so much, it's one that I will watch over and over and never get tired of.… Expand

This movie was horrible from the beginning. The characters are so cliche. You cant really take any of it seriously. People were inspired by this movie? I though it was supposed to be a comedy going in. Believe me, it tries to be a comedy at times but fails horribly. Kudos to Tyler Perry though if this drivel earned him millions. I dont know how he pulled that off.

i cried during the sad parts and laughed during the funny parts. things like this do happen to people in reality, and its sad. but this shows ways to deal with it and its also a wonderful family movie, we all loved it and watched it 3 times in a row and have watched it frequently since then.

This was a great movie about life!

Great movie, I cheered and I laughed. Thanks Tyler!!!!

This is a movie about black experience which some of the critics can not relate to. It was wonderful.

Excellent movie. Great messages throughout movie. A must see.

Great movie! Like his (Tyler Perry) play even better! Showed what its like for what real black families go through on a day to day basis.

Excellant, funny, emotional, real life situations. Every woman or man can relate to some segment in the movie. Families have may issues going on all at one time and Tyler does a good job caputuring it all from a matriarchal point of view. Most families span between the church and the external influences of the streets.

If you are not black you would not know about our culture or our struggles.tyler made this movie throgh a black person view point so do not hate.

Hooray Tyler, thank you for the realness, your portrayal of sometimes uncaptured events in every day life of the family.

Terrible.

I am a big fan of Tyler Perry and enjoy his plays. I really enjoyed the movie because it brings alot of things to reality for us black women. He showed how we stand by our man and when he makes it big he turns to a white woman who eventually leaves him!!!!

It's easy for me to see why the "critics" disliked this movie. It was touching, Christian-based, uplifting, optomistic, fun, with well-casted wonderful characters, and a great story that anybody can identify with. Since most critics are fat old lonely men, they identify with fat old lonely characters. These are beautiful, appealing people, irrespective of color, that I relate to or at least aspire to want to be like. And Kimberly Elise has to be one of the most beautiful women in the movies! I'm seeing this one again, and I'm buying the DVD for my collection.… Expand

I thought the movie was the funniest but the most touching and moving movie because you have to understand what was going on. Forget about the color of the people skin look at the meaning and the message behind it. People are so simple minded these days. The movie was absolutely beautiful i couldn't have it no better. It was very straight forward and very realistic.

I can see why people connected to this movie, but be honest people, in five years, no one will consider this as even one of the best black films ever. You may love the message and the vibe, but artistically, it's poor. Two points to make: 1) Why do people get all insecure when a critic doesn't like a movie they like? And then they get positively righteous when they believe a critic does not echo "the people" or "the majority". (See "Passion of the Christ".) ... Hello, people! These are critics, not politicians! They are there to have an opinion, not mimic yours. 2) The sad fact is that if this movie weren't so formulaic and pandering, it would not be as successful as the box office. 3) As a moviegoer, if all I needed was a great message, I'd take my bag if popcorn and barrel of Coke to church every Friday night. You can get great message in a sermon. But a movie needs a well-told story. Or at least a spark of originality. We've seen all the parts of this movie before.… Expand

I think that the fact that this is a black film that isn't to ghetto, and has some real core issues is to deep for white america. These critics are the same people that think the simpsons, friends and the simple life are oh so great. Get real, we are!

This is an excellent movie. For the first week every day this movie was sold out. My fiance and I didn't get to see this movie until the second week. We will be seeing this movie for the 3rd time this weekend. My mother hasn't been to a movie theater over 20+ years, and is planning to see this movie this weekend. I say to Tyler Perry, you can't please everyone!

I must tell you, this movie has a lot of redeeming qualities, and stays true to life about many who do and say things others would disagree with. The Importance of Love, the dangers of hate, the destructiveness of drugs, the need for faith and forgiveness, the challenges of marriage, divorce, money and material things, these realities are true to life, I completely enjoyed being confronted with these in theater. Humor was used and a good way to uplift and to entertain.… Expand

It was one of the best movies I've ever seen with great music to go along with it!!!!!

I happen to find this movie hilarious. I do agree with Chris Rock when he was talking about the movies that the black people get. But let's think about it. All you people who were laughing your butts off in Soul Plane, Barbershop one and two,Boyz in the Hood, or Kingdom Come and say that this movie is not good, you are a hypocrite. Those who say that it is a disgrace because it was cheapening Christianity obviously did not get the message that it was sending. Medea did not play her role as a Christian woman and everyone who is a christian is not perfect. There is not one person who has not sinned, and that is all Helen did. She sinned. Yes this will not go down as one of the best black movies of all time, but neither will Beauty Shop or any other movies that I just mentioned. Yes everyone has their own opinions, but when you do give one, make sure that the facts in your opinion are correct.… Expand

Kimberly Elise is very rapidly becoming one of my favorite actresses. Her performance as a woman battling the scars of child abuse in last year's flawed but powerful Woman Thou Art Loosed deserved to be cited alongside Hilary's, Annette's and Kate's on the Oscar podium; I was delighted to see that the Independent Spirit Awards recognized it with a nomination. It's equally gratifying to see her headlining a Number One box office hit in which she's equally excellent as Helen, who's trying to rebuild her life after being dumped by her successful husband of 18 years (comic actor Steve Harris, who's convincingly nasty and handles transitional scenes with skill). Elise has lots of big emotional scenes of rage, despair, vengefulness, etc., and she does them superbly...but if anything, I liked her romantic sequences with her new-lease-on-life boyfriend (Shenar Moore) even better; watch her facial and body language and see her go from disbelief that any man could treat her as she deserves to be to cynicism toward all men to hopefulness that maybe all men AREN'T like her husband and you're watching a great actress in command of all her gifts. (And frankly, you could do a lot worse than studying Elise's face: she's so appealing that I can only attribute Harris's rejection of her to one cause: total insanity.) As for the rest of this controversial film, I can't believe that a critic who's normally as perceptive as Roger Ebert missed the mark so widely. (However, I'm even more surprised that Ebert is being mindlessly tagged as a racist simply for expressing an opinion: no racist could possibly name Mississippi Burning, Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Schindler's List, Hoop Dreams, Eve's Bayou and Monster's Ball as his choices for the best films of their respective years.) Renaissance man Tyler Perry, who wrote and produced this movie (and even contributed some of the soundtrack songs!) also plays three supporting roles--most memorably Medea, a no-nonsense matriarch who speaks and acts her mind at all times and could very well be the real "mad Black woman" of the title! Ebert thought that Perry's performance as Medea was completely disruptive and compared it to Martin Lawrence's in Big Momma's House. Wrong, wrong, wrong: in that movie, Lawrence was playing a male undercover cop in drag: Perry's tour-de-force is infinitely closer to Richard Pryor's work in Which Way Is Up? and Eddie Murphy's in the Nutty Professor remakes. (And anyway, Roger, even if you thought Medea was totally out of place in this movie, you DID like Elise's performance and much of the rest of the film: doesn't that warrant a two or two-and-a-half star rating instead of just one?)Medea and brother-in-law Joe actually take up comparatively little of Diary's screen time: Perry and director Darren Grant use them in much the same way that Cameron Crowe and Amy Heckerling used Sean Penn's Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High: as an element of spice to undercut, contrast with and provide a temporary break from the more serious, realistic characters and situations. While I can't honestly say that Diary's sometimes abrupt tone shifts from domestic melodrama to rambunctious farce to tender mother-daughter drama to swoony romance to illustrated sermon worked for me 100% of the time (and it would've helped if Perry and Grant hadn't so obviously quoted scenes from Citizen Kane and An Officer and a Gentleman at key moments) I was mostly very happy to let Diary take me anywhere it wanted to...and anyway, isn't life itself pretty frequently a blend of conflicting, disparate elements and emotions? (You gotta like an overtly Christian movie whose funniest line is uttered by a character who explains why she DOESN'T go to church!) As a 48-year-old White male (and probably the only one in the audience at my showing) I'm obviously not a member of Perry's primary target audience--and in fact had never even heard of Perry until roughly six weeks ago. But a big part of loving movies involves stepping out of one's comfort zone, and Diary is frequently so satisfying and entertaining that it would be a shame if Perry's voice continues to be marginalized. I have no doubt that some of his specifics and references eluded me, but most of Diary is so universal, and Elise so remarkably good, that it's a movie that truly offers something for everyone.… Expand

I enjoyed this movie immensely. Although, the plot was somewhat weak, it had alot of redeeming qualities. I loved the music and Kimberly Elise acting. Great job by all!

I liked it. it was very funnt. these critics are very crappy. I went to the movie, and didn't know what to expect. i left with a very happy face. Very good, funny film.

This movie was over the top! At last a good movie that's extremely funny where we can go and take the kids that not "Animated" The movie was well written and the funniest I've seen in a long time, but I know from experience that if you listen to critics no one will ever go to the show, critics tear down everything. Tyler Perry is a good christian man with the gift to make us laugh in any and all situation and for that of course he's cut down by critics. I feel the play was fantastic and we've seen it four times and can't wait for the video to come out and I don't mean bootlegg. Way to go Tyler keep up the good work, you are truly blessed and just awesome!… Expand

Critics are getting bombarded by emails about this film. They are being criticized for say it's a bad picture. The main point of contention with people is that if a critic doesn't know what it is to be black, then he has no right to an opinion about the film. This point might hold water if several of the worst reviews didn't come from film critics who ARE black, like the reviewer for the Boston Globe. See, the difference between liking and disliking a film ike this is knowedge of what makes a film good. It's not a racial thing. It's an education and intelligence thing. This movie was an insult to the whole of the viewing public, white, bland and eveyone between. The fact that a studio put it out and marketed it pandering to urban audiences just says how little the executives think of our ability to discern diamonds from crap.… Expand

This was the funnest movie I have ever seen. I like Tyler Peryy he makes the goodest plays out there. Tyler you did a good job on this one.

It was one of the best movies I've ever seen with great music to go along with it!!!!! I gave it a 9 Because I know his next one is going to be PROFOUND. Thanks to all these critics, he his still growing.

Great movie and tyler perry funny and great actor.

Good movie.

I gave Tylre's movie a 10, because it hit home. A a black woman who has stood by my husband of 10 years through the good and the bad, then to have a 2 bit floozie to come and take all that I have helped him accomplished, yes, that was real. And I also have a relative who was lost to drugs and through pray and faith reclaimed their lives, you see we all can connect with this film. that's why it was such a good movie. It's not about black or white, it's about life. We see it on tv all the time. Some of us just REFUSE to admit that this movie hit home and "say it was bad or that it was an insult to "OUR PEOPLE". BNut no sweetie, this movie was right on the money and I look forward to seeing his next film. So all of "y'all haters" can look out and if he's that bad save your 8 dollars on some unreal, bullcrap sci-fi flick that has no message what so ever, they are more your level anyway.… Expand

Madea is one of the funniest characters to ever hit the big screen. This is a movie that mixes comedy with drama and succeds at both. I can't wait to see the next movie, Madea's Family Reunion and I wish I knew who Tyler Perry was before he is a genius.

One of the funniest movies i've seen in a long while, however, i think the play was much more funnier than the movies. now the plays are the funniest plays i've ever seen. Really Great.

Good movie, very much a chick flick, but I liked it lots!!! There are some really funny parts and other parts that make you want to scream at the screen!! Tyler Perry is very, very talented. Very, very, VERY talented!!

This movie had me laughing and crying. We loved it very much.

As I sit here guilt-watching this movie as payback to my wife, I'm reminded of the torture scene from a clockwork orange. I'm also reminded, that I'm no writer but am a far more capable of stringing together a chain of events using words. All that time spent living in a car, you'd think tyler perry would have spent more time pondering this script. Actually, my argument carries no wait, as he lives in a mansion and I'm strapped to a chair with toothpicks holding my eye's open.… Expand

Instead of "Waiting to Exhale", Kimberly Elise's character realizes that she has the power to forgive, and move on, instead of staying angry. Medea/Joe provide comic relief, and also provide a "hook" to get audiences interested.

This had to be down right the worst movie i ever seen.

I love this movie it make me realize how you could easy forgive a person no matter how they treat you in the long run especially you trying to save your marriage it take two to make it work. Neither spouse have any reason to cheat on each other, that they suppose to follow their wedding vow.

This movie was da bomb it make us Black women think about reality. I Love this movie and I also love the songs they sing.

This movie is da best..i love it soo much i watch it errday.

This was a great movie!!

This was a good movie and i hope we see more of tyler's play on the screen and this is a must have movie on the shelf when it comes out in the stores. God is truly speaking through this brother.

The movie was a blast, I cried, I laughed and I was overjoyed. My fiance' and I could really relate to the romantic aspect of it all. I personally, can relate. It was wonderful. Thumbs up to you, Tyler!!! The message was sent and very strong, look at all of the negative reviews this movie alone received. Congratulations!!!!! A job well done!! Can't wait to see what's next.

Not all blacks are like this crap. Give me a break. Go see soul plane.

I read a review that said it's unrealistic for a Christian women to be looking for intamcy and not sex....Sorry but you are wrong. I think this movie is realistic and funny (from an African-American female point of view). Keep doing your thing Mr. Perry!

Look, Tyler your movie was as real as it get's and some people don't realize it. But that is how it goes down. They mess up and think we suppose to go back running. Na it don't work like that pick yourself up and keep on. It's real. I love all your play's you are the American Dream for me as a 16 year old child I have so much respect for what you are trying to do for the youth and the rest of us out there cause ain't nothing for free. You got to start from the bottom to get to the top. You pick all the correct people. Thank You!… Expand

I thought the movie was very good. For one some of the things that were presented in the movie happen to us in real life, and I think that is why so many people are hating on the movie. It's reality and some people don't want to accept that. I recommend everyone black, white, or what race you may be to go and see the movie. It's great and Tyler Perry hit home to lots of females and males as well!… Expand

An insult to black sensibility. I'm embarassed that so many of my black brethren are too proud to admit that this movie is not good. How many 10s are here?.. you're just showing yourselves to be biased.

Tyler, you did a great job with this movie. It exposes real issues that America (every nationality) deals with whether it's admitted to or not. I rated this movie a 9 instead of a 10 only because I enjoyed the play much better!

I give this movie a ten because this movie had a scene in it of some sort that could relate to every one mad black, white, male or female and i would pay to see it a second time if i had to. the movie just keeps it real about life, love, marriges, and god, family,friends and the power of God.

This movie was all about life and feeling christ love hurtpain this movie was so exspectating i have no words to tell u the way it made me feel thank you for doing a great movie and putting your feeling all e feelings into it thank you.

I thought this movie was great. Shemar Moore did a wonderful job along with his costars. It had the sad moments, laughter, and was inspirational.

Diary Of a Mad Black woman was a movie that I enjoyed it has a powerful message behind it it isn't just a comedy movie to make you laugh it can touch you in many more ways.