Box office magic
Posted by Media Outrage on September 15, 2008
Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys did extremely well at the box office in it’s opening weekend. It finished #2 behind Burn After Reading which raked in $19 million. The Family That Preys earned $18 million.
Tyler Perry left this message for his readers on his site on Friday:
Hey There,
OK it’s on you now….Smile. I’m not going to inundate (look at me using this big word) you with a bunch of emails about going to see THE FAMILY THAT PREYS. All I can tell you is that the people who have seen it LOVE IT. I mean LOVE IT! And so do I.
So, I’ll see you at the movies this weekend. All my seniors, I know you all go out for the matinees. So, I’ll look to hear from you first on the message board. All my other folks, just drop me a line after you see it. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Also check your ticket stubs, you know how that goes. Make sure it’s for our film so we can get credit. Remember, you’re my critics not anybody else.
OK that’s all I have. I’m having a quiet Birthday dinner so I will be near the message board. 39 y’all…39! God is good. Talk to you Monday!
Oh, by the way, get there early so you can get a sneak peek at MADEA GOES TO JAIL. It’s going to run before the movie starts.
Be Blessed,
Tyler
Mediaoutrage- We’re going to continue saying it. Tyler Perry is one of the most talented writers, producers, directors and actors that Hollywood has. His story is just inspirational.
w2m said
I am so happy for him.
Jules said
“Mediaoutrage- We’re going to continue saying it. Tyler Perry is one of the most talented writers, producers, directors and actors that Hollywood has. His story is just inspirational.”
You are pushing it, MO. Big time. This movie is by far, and likely, the only movie of substance that he has made. The other movies he has made are buffoonish and does little to erase stereotypical images of the Black race–women in particular. His movies do for the Black woman’s image what rap music has essentially done for the last 30 years–destroys it. I will say that I thoroughlly ENJOYED “The Family That Preys” from start to finish.
Also, he looked absolutely horrible in the movie. Ugh! Just plain horrible. The other people were cast appropriately. He just looked so out of place and his image did not mesh very well with the other cast members. He is just not an attractive man at all.
Lisa said
I went to see it. I thought it was okay. I still prefer “Why Did I Get Married”.
Media Outrage said
@ Jules- We’re not pushing anything. Check it this man was homeless at one point. He went from producing plays on the chitlin’ circuit to making films in Hollywood.
No one can argue that his plays are captivating. His films are produced on budgets of around $5 million. That is pocket change in Hollywood, yet his films still sell through the roof.
And what you call buffoonish and stereotypical images are actual realities that he simply translates to the big screen. See its interesting that you mention rap in your argument. Oprah Winfrey and many others attack rap everyday by saying that the lyrics and images are disrespectful and violent, but fail to understand that they rappers are just taking what they see and actually happens in everyday life and putting it in song and video. Then people are outraged? Ridiculous. Let’s face the facts people sell drugs, commit murder, rape, incest, robbery, and other things every day.
Life is not a bag of roses so why try and paint it as such?
Tyler Perry has embedded so many good messages in his films and plays. Do ghetto families exist? Yes. So why act as if they don’t?
Like we said the man is extremely talented and does it from scratch. He doesn’t have the type of backing that other Hollywood big shot producers and film makers have so in our opinion the man is the creme of the crop.
Media Outrage said
@ Jules- And in response to this “His movies do for the Black woman’s image what rap music has essentially done for the last 30 years–destroys it.”
Once again please let’s stop the fairy tale fantasy. There are women that exist everywhere that carry themselves like whores. They have absolutely no self respect. People blame rap for this. That is hilarious to us. If our women didn’t get in these videos and portray some of these disgusting images then our kids wouldn’t have this to look upon. No one is putting a gun to any females head at a video casting. Simple answer to stopping the imagery- ladies refuse to portray certain images. So let’s place the blame in the places that it really belongs instead of trying to make someone a fall guy.
Jules said
…and I guess Black women are these larger than life, extremely exaggerated, over-sized buffoonish, gun-toting, Bible desecrating, deranged characters as portrayed by that horrible “Madea character.” That made up image just sucks and is very dangerous to Black women’s image.
Justify…schmistify…not hearning it.
“Why Did I Get Married?” was a very good movie as well. Hopefully, once he does that “Madea Goes to Jail” crappola, he will begin to focus producing, directing, etc. etc. movies of a much higher standard that people such as myself will enjoy viewing.
Media Outrage said
Funny Jules, once again you are ignoring the fact that there are women that act like that. He created a character much like any other film writer creates a character for entertainment purposes. Not all of his characters are positive and not all are negative, but all work cohesively to deliver the story and “positive” message that “all” of his movies contain.
And the only way that image or any other image is dangerous to one’s self image, is if they are incredibly “weak” minded. If a person is secure with who they are it is impossible for any film, tv show, book, Oprah, or video to alter that.
w2m said
I’m loving this. Y’all pulling a “w2m” and 2020VIZN!! M.O. right on point. I agree with everything you have said. Love y’all.
*over in my corner hollering ‘PREACH PREACHA’ & ‘AMEN’ while waving my hand* More buffoonery I guess, stereotypical of a country chuch (yes I said CHUCH) woman.
Jules said
“And the only way that image or any other image is dangerous to one’s self image, is if they are incredibly “weak” minded. If a person is secure with who they are it is impossible for any film, tv show, book, Oprah, or video to alter that.”
Typical argument of a “weak” mind making a “weak” argument. Way to name call, MO. Then you have your “wittle” yappers over in the corner snottin’ at the nose because they are incapable of making valid arguments.
The mature and strong minded answer to this debate is that we can both agree to disagree. Whether you agree with my point or not, I made a very valid and strong argument in relation to my stance on this issue.
Random said
I’ve only seen one of his movies..and it happened to be one of those Madea ones..I thought it was rather funny! I haven’t seen his new one yet..really wasn’t planning on going to see it but if it’s doing well then more power to him!
Media Outrage said
@ Jules- We have no reason to name call. In reference to this “And the only way that image or any other image is dangerous to one’s self image, is if they are incredibly “weak” minded. If a person is secure with who they are it is impossible for any film, tv show, book, Oprah, or video to alter that.”
We are not name calling just speaking our opinion. Read and understand what we are saying. You have people who allow videos, music, and other outside influences raise their children. Then you have people who have instilled great and indelible character into their children therefore outside influences and images lack the ability to “alter” their true character.
So we are not saying you Jules are a weak minded person. We don’t believe in insulting our readers because we promote free speech on Mediaoutrage even when that speech seems to disagree with something or all things written by us.
A “weak” minded person in our opinion is someone who is easily led astray from their core values and teachings by “outside” influences and imagery. That’s why we wrote “And the only way that image or any other image is dangerous to one’s self image, is if they are incredibly “weak” minded. If a person is secure with who they are it is impossible for any film, tv show, book, Oprah, or video to alter that.” It was not to insult you but to say that if a person is secure in their own beliefs how can “imagery” lead them away from those beliefs? Maybe you can answer that for us.
That is why we included the tid bit about hip-hop videos. Everyone attacks rappers but refuses to attack the parents that allow their children to view the rap videos. But if you attack rappers then you must attack every other entertainment sector also; such as video games (you know the rated r ones that show figures engaging in all types of violent and sexual behavior), and every type of movie being produced that ALSO show violent, prurient, derogatory images.
Yasmine T. said
Tyler Perry is a blessing for black actors and actresses. So many actors are left out in the cold when it comes to casting movies. So he gets a lot of respect from me for what he does.
Haven’t seen The Family That Preys yet will see it this week. My girlfriend told me it is the bomb! But then again I wouldn’t expect anything else from Tyler.
Jules said
“…that if a person is secure in their own beliefs how can “imagery” lead them away from those beliefs? Maybe you can answer that for us…”
You know what, I wish it were that easy. Really. I truly wish it were that easy. These actors, producers, rappers, gangstas, corporations, etc. want to spread a message of personal and social responsibility as justification for influencing others with their filthy garbage. As long as Tyler Perry dresses up as a hideous looking transvestite, I will not support him.
“…such as video games (you know the rated r ones that show figures engaging in all types of violent and sexual behavior…”
Actually, no I don’t know because there are NO video game consoles in my home at all. I do, however (not to toot my own horn), have an impressive library collection that I get complements on. So, no, I have heard that some of the video arcade games that are out are horrible. Yet, I do not know that for certain (still, I’ll take your word for it).
beach chick said
I will be checking out his movie tonight..can’t wait! I heard it is really good!
Media Outrage said
LOL @ Jules “As long as Tyler Perry dresses up as a hideous looking transvestite, I will not support him. ”
We see what you are saying about social responsibility but let’s face it, without some of this filth the world would be pretty bland and devoid of entertainment.
People love to hit a movie and see someone get their heads blown off, but if “little Jimmy” has been taught right from wrong at home there’s a 0 in 100 chance that he’s going to go buy a gun and blow some poor innocent person’s dome piece clean off their shoulders, because he understands the idea of 10 to 20 and likes his butt whole just the way it is, not penetrated.
Tyler is funny to us. No one plays a grandmother that’s funnier than Madea lol. But that’s cool we can agree not to agree.
2020VIZN said
Damn, sorry I got here late. Well it seems like we have come to one of those issues that cause the verbal fists to fly. I guess your stand on this issue depends on a couple of things. One is what side of the tracks are you from. Another is, if you were from the left side of the track and crossed over, did you ever look back? Or if you are on the left side of the track then are you trying to build a wall so that those on the other side of the track don’t see what’s on your side.
Well Jules I must say that I am a little offended by you describing “Madea” as Buffoonish. I say this because Madea reminds me of my grandmother. Yes, my grandmother carried a gun everywhere she went, my grandmother was a large woman that didn’t take any mess, my grandmother was a woman that told you what she felt as soon as it came to her mind, she called her kids what they were when she saw them for what they were, she would curse you out in the drop of a dime and she was there for everyone of her children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and friends when they needed a helping hand. She loved harder than anyone I ever knew.
Now “Madea” is a comical character and most comical characters are a little over the top. Certain types of comedy call for the characters to be this way, its entertainment. Why is it that “Madea” offends you? Most People I know love Madea because she reminds them of someone in their family or a family friend. Madea is a realistic character, that’s a fact that you obviously don’t want to accept. But hey there are different types of people in the world and some people just don’t like reality.
And the music rap music thing does come down to understanding. Like myself, I listen to rap music but I understand that its entertainment. Its entertainment just like the movies Scarface, The God Father, The Sopranos, The Wire, New Jack City, Blow, Casino, Reservoir Dogs and Heat just to scratch the Surface. People consider these movies “works of art” and rightfully so because they were entertaining but at the same time they are violent just like SOME rap music. The music label execs make the final decision on wether an album will come out or not, I have heard a lot of rappers say that they were sent back into the studio because an album was too positive. The music industry along with the film industry is for entertainment and people need to stop putting all the blame on these artists when they are trying to entertain. It’s up to the Parents to spend time with their kids and sit them down and talk to them because a child can’t always know exactly what is going on around them. If you are an active parent who takes the time to TEACH their child instead of thinking and depending on an underpaid teacher to do it, then good on you because you know what’s up. Then again there are some grown ups that don’t understand ENTERTAINMENT and might tend to categorize a comedy character as buffoonish, some how that seems like an oxymoron.
There are females that are living wlaking and breathing that are makeing black women look bad, and they are not playing characters for our entertainment. You should seek and destroy them, or fix them if you can.
Good Evening!!!!
Jules said
If you say so…
Sweetthang said
wow, boy did I miss a lot yesterday MO and 2020vizn said it all, thanks guys I thought this movie was great and Tyler Perry is the man! He started with nothing and look at him now, God is good
Media Outrage said
@ 2020VIZN you said exactly what we were saying to Jules. That these people exist in real life so why make films without them being put in them? It’s like making a movie about the Bush cabinet and refusing to include how this man purposely took our country to war over a personal feud that started because Saddam tried to kill his father by setting up an explosion in a Kuwait parade. OH and that it was about oil. Now those are very negative images of the President of the USA but they’re accurate so why not? But then again everyone comes from different places and are raised in different ways. Jules is good in our book.
2020VIZN said
@ MO: I feel ya fam. Im Just doing what I can do when I can do it.
w2m said
Well Damn I’m a little ‘Yapper’ now. M.O. you got this one cause I don’t have time for Jules standing on her mile high soap box. I got work to do.
w2m said
Well said M.O.& 2020VIZN. I needn’t say anything further.
Jules said
I’m not afraid to stand alone in my assessments and stance on issues.
I guess you all would agree that growing up in “da hood” makes a person sell drugs, commit crimes, wear their pants hanging off their behinds, and commit Black on Black murder???
Yet, because I have a moral compass, I am “high on the soapbox.” Whenever Blacks stand for decency, we are accused of being uppity. Shame on you all.
I am a free thinker and I will not allow my convictions to be shaken just for my opinions to be popular with the majority.
Media Outrage said
Jules you are saying exactly what we were saying yesterday when you accused us of insulting you. lol. We said that when certain things are instilled in a person that they are “weak” minded if they allow “outside” influences to alter their actions or way of thinking.
All we are saying is that certain things exist so why hide them? Now yes a film maker needs to present a versatile spectrum for their audience to experience. So no someone shouldn’t just make movies based on certain images, but to say that certain images will destroy the way black women are perceived is not true especially if those images exist in everyday life.
Random said
It is NOT THAT Serious!!
Jules said
We know ‘It is NOT THAT Serious!!’
It is JUST A Discussion!!
Elise said
Im sorry MO but i agree with Jules about the damaging images. I don’t agree about Tyler Perry dressing up in a dress has anything to do with it. but rap! oh my goodness it is the worst! you cant get any more disrespectful than some of these disgusting lyrics. i think artist and film makers need to take responsibility for their messages.
Random said
If you knew then you wouldn’t take things way out of context..It’s a MOVIE..the CHARACTERS are FICTIONAL…may or may NOT be based on REAL individuals..Unless it hits home I don’t see how YOU or anyone else would be offended by it..Why are you trying to turn this into something else? If you don’t like his films..tough paduki!! I don’t think anyone’s holding a gun to your head telling you to go see them..I’m sure there’s a shit load of others who find them entertaining..Maybe you should just lighten up a bit..You’re absolutely right it is a DISCUSSION afterall..but right about now you jut keep babbling on and on and useless bullcrap!
w2m said
Random I was waiting on your girl.
Yes Jules, your account is right in that the images are damaging but like M.O. said it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Yes you and Elise are right in that artist and filmmakers should take responsibility for their messages, but there is a such thing as Freedom of Speech which last I checked we all had.
These artists in question (music, film and or television) produce entertainment sometimes based on the realities of their lives. Just as 2020VIZN said he has a grandmother that is very close in imagery to the character Medea that Tyler Perry portrays. Who are you to negate that it is real in anyone’s eyes. The images of drug, violence and sex in the rap videos and movies that you have mentioned are very close in imagery to something someone else in this vast world of ours has experienced. As a writer and aspiring filmmaker I produce product that is based on what I have seen in my lifetime. I am a plus size woman, is it wrong or stereotypical to write about what I have just because it is negative. No it is my experience and I’m sure rappers, actors, and filmmakers feel the same way.
The fact that you don’t like it is irrelevant to be honest in the grand scheme of things because as Random said If you don’t like his films….tough paduiki. No one makes you watch them. Your moral compass is no more existent than anyone else’s so don’t act like you are the only one with morals. No one called you uppity, you said that yourself. I stand for decency, but I also allow others to have their opinion because it is theirs to express.
I hope you understand where we are coming from. There is no hate or malice on this board. We are all here to sometimes escape. Its entertainment honey, take it for what it is and move on.
Random said
Lol@W2M…I couldn’t hold it in!!
Mini said
I just finished watching “Madea’s Family Reunion” again and have to say that Tyler Perry is one of the most talented writers/producers/actors/directors in the business.
I agree with the writers of MO in their assessment of this man’s undeniable talent. Anyone who can write and entire script and bring it to life the way he does is just leaking with talent.
And touching the discussion on the stereotypical images depicted in Perry’s films: I once again agree with MO, 2020, and Yasmine T., these types of people exist and it is just entertainment. I am looking forward to seeing him branch out and produce more diverse films that steer farther away from his own upbringing.
The man is talented.
Mini said
“Why Did I Get Married?” was one of the best films that I saw last year. His characters are so true to life and they really touch viewers in a personal way, considering most of us know people that act like some of these individuals.
I’m a huge Tyler Perry fan. His show is not all that good in my opinion but hey you can’t win them all but I’m sure as he gains more experience that also will exceed our expectations.