Sadly Over-hyped

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Like most Tyler Perry movies, it has sizable influences from both the comedy and drama side. Whether or not someone finds the movie funny, is subjective... but I like his movies because of the drama element, the story, etc.Basically the problem in the movie is there is a Black girl (Lacey) who is married to a White man (Connor)... and the Black girls mother detests White people basically, for a reason that you will find out if you watch the movie (of course like all racist thoughts, there is no logic to the reason). Lacey is... very "scared" to tell her mother about her marriage with Connor because of her mothers ideology - and Lacey has always done what her mother has wanted in the past... and currently, she wants Lacey to get back with an ex-boyfriend So what happens is both Connors parents and Lacey's mother, Lacey's ex, and Madea, come to there home for Christmas - Lacey's company coming unexpectedly. Connors parents are accepting of the couple (as 87% of Americans are, look it up), but Lacey is hiding this from her mother, as I said before, because she is scared. In my opinion Tyler Perry did a great job creating a very dis-likable antagonists for the movie (Lacey' mother).Also for the comedy aspects of the movie... if you like Madea comedy, then you will laugh... personally as well, I found Larry the Cable Guy to be super funny tho... he is also in this movie.Anyway my rating is 8 stars because I like the drama and story for this movie... the comedy was alright, but if you're just watching to get some laughs... I would consider another movie, since most of this movie is drama.

Is anybody else as creeped-out as I am about Tyler Perry constantly appearing on-screen in drag? The next movie should have Medea as a serial killer because she is most definitely morphing into the look of a crazed serial killer. If you can get over the barrage of horrifying images of that (very much like LeBron James in drag) that this movie brings forth, the remainder is just the ash of what was probably a very weak, misguided idea to begin with. It is apparent from this film that Tyler Perry now considers himself a more serious film maker. But the results are laughable. This movie is three steps back from more relevant, and four steps back from funny. Tyler needs to look away from the mirror and take a careful look at his movies. He is ever more quickly moving toward C movie status.

For those that like Tyler Perry's films and especially the Madea films -- you know who you are -- I'm sure this would be another enjoyable foray into that world. Nah, this review isn't for you. This is for the other people who for some godforsaken reason might end up having to watch this film. I've sat through a lot of crap, and I just couldn't make it through this. I lasted longer than I thought I would, so I'll give myself that. You're basically paying for a made-for-TV movie you'd see on either BET or Hallmark channel. Incredibly bad script, a narrative that is bland and uninteresting, repetitive jokes that are the opposite of funny, screen transitions you'd expect to see on a sitcom's Christmas special, and lazy camera-work.The only redeeming quality of this film is the attractiveness of Tika Sumpter, I mean goddamn does she look gorgeous.

When she finds out her daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter) isn't coming home for Christmas, Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford), plans a surprise visit, but not before convincing the tough-as-nails Madea (Tyler Perry) to join her. The two women then hit the road for Alabama. Upon arriving, the find that Lacey is now living with a white country boy named Conner (Eric Lively), it isn't too long after that word of Conner's parents (Larry the Cable Guy and Kathy Najimy) are arriving for the holidays as well. Along with the worries of these two families meeting, the small Alabama town is also dealing with the troubling situation of not having their yearly Christmas Jubilation.Tyler Perry is back with another installment in his Madea films. This time Madea bringing the holiday cheer. Like his previous Madea film, there is more Madea and less of the dramatic soap opera aspects. While are different issues deal with, they're all evenly balanced. This issues dealt with this time around include the idea of interracial marriages and relationships, letting children live their own lives, and of course, the real meaning of Christmas including the Christ vs. Santa issues. While the issues dealt with in the film are very "been there, done that", they're done in a way that keeps the story going and makes for a decent holiday film. And of course we are given major comedic relief from Madea. Only this time around we have her going back and forth with Larry the Cable Guy as Conner's father. These moments are easily the most comical. The story isn't anything new or fresh, but it's a nice film to enjoy around the holiday season.The film is supported by a very talented cast. Tyler Perry is comical as always as Madea. Larry the Cable Guy and Kathy Najimy are also a treat for the screen. The whole cast does a really good job with their roles, whether they are characters we are supposed to love or characters to hate, and when the character arcs come, their transitions for the characters are very clear to see. This has always been one of the strongest factors in Perry's films, he always chooses very talented actors who get really into their roles, and this film is no different.A Madea Christmas no doubt, like Perry's other films will have its haters. But it's a film that may not be anything fresh or new, but it still has a great cast going for it, plenty of humor, heart, and a good story that brings out the holiday spirit.My Rating: 7/10