Tyler Perry’s latest film, “Divorce in the Black,” may just be scratching at the bottom of the basement when it comes to quality content. With a 0 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a bizarre opening scene involving a Mo’Nique clone and a former Beyoncé in-law, this film might make you want to turn it off before it even begins – as many viewers have done.
But let’s face it, we all knew what we were getting into with a Tyler Perry movie. They have become a guilty pleasure for many, a watch-to-see-how-bad-they-are kind of entertainment. And love him or hate him, Perry has made a significant impact on Black Hollywood. From launching the careers of actors like Viola Davis and Idris Elba to tapping into the underserved Black Christian woman demographic, Perry has carved out his own niche in the industry.
Yet, his films are not without criticism. They often fall back on tired stereotypes and predictable tropes, leading some to question the quality of his work. Perry’s refusal to have a writers room and his dedication to writing every movie himself have raised eyebrows and drawn ire from those seeking more diversity in storytelling.
Despite his detractors, Tyler Perry remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. His success speaks for itself, but as the backlash against “Divorce in the Black” shows, even Perry can’t afford to keep playing the same tune over and over again. It may be time for him to step up his game and give his audience something fresh and exciting to look forward to. The clock is ticking, Mr. Perry.
