DVD Reviews: 'Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?'

Published: April 4, 2008

Director Tyler Perry sheds his pistol-packing Madea persona in favor of playing a husband in the soap-operatic drama "Why Did I Get Married.” The film is an adaptation of Perry's hit stage play of the same name.

Four upper-class couples who have known each other since college meet for an annual seven-day reunion at a Colorado cabin. But things get a little steamy when one of the husbands, Mike (Richard T. Jones), brings his sexy mistress (Denise Boutte) to the retreat and emotionally abuses his plus-size housewife Sheila (Jill Scott) to the disgust of everyone. Mike doesn't hesitate to air his infidelity, leaving his wife to cope with their deteriorating marriage.

Sheila's faith and a special friend help her forget about those dark days.

As the story develops, secrets of the other couples are revealed, and each questions the validity of their marriages.

Themes of commitment, betrayal and forgiveness are Perry's secret weapons. But as great as those themes may be, "Married” rushes to a heartfelt conclusion after an hour and a half. It would have been great to expand the story between Patricia (Janet Jackson) and husband Gavin (Malik Yoba). And although Patricia is supposed to be the central character of the film, it is loudmouth businesswoman Angela (Tasha Smith) who steals the show.

"Why Did I Get Married?” is a great tool for married couples to re-examine the structure of marriage today. And that's no hidden secret.

— Natasha Mitchell

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