Must see movie: Why Did I Get Married

I didn't expect anything less from Tyler Perry and his new movie, "Why Did I get Married Too," than a hilariously-crazy, hot mess ably portrayed by good-looking and well-dressed actors.

My spirits were dampened somewhat by this New York Times review, but in my estimation the reviewer got it wrong. The sequel to "Why Did I get Married?" hit all the levels of pathos in American life and marriage. That Tyler is really focusing on black American life and marriage may be why the reviewer didn't get it.

I got it all. The struggle of black couples, many the first in their generation to attend college, earn professional credentials and acquire financial power and all the trappings of success - while not losing your soul, the very essence of who you are - is a very real struggle many of us go through on the regular.

I identified with some, ok many, of the characters' longings for love and familial stability. They each expressed their needs differently, but the same search for something - God knows what - that drives many of us, were in full view here.
Janet Jackson's character fought for control and while she never lost, irreparable damage was the price she paid. The challenges faced by the four couples are familiar. Love tested by economic hardship and male pride; been there done that. Commitment tested by the desire to have it all, right now, check that off my list.

I love that Tyler portrays black men as smart, sexy and emotionally available enough to be befuddled, and yes hurt, by the women they love. The men use humor, not all of it actually funny, to get through the tough times but that too rang true to me. Women pour a glass of wine and discuss their issues directly, including naming names. Men don't do that. The closest a man will get to saying his wife is getting on his last nerve is to joke about it with the fellas. The joking may seem stilted or forced, but it is what lies beneath the jokes that is at the heart of those scenes.

Check out the movie, its a fun way to spend a couple of hours. We'll all have our favorite scenes and lines. The airport scene is a hot mess and hilarious. But the best part of the movie for me was gazing upon Cicely Tyson's gorgeous face shaped by a halo of white, luscious hair and knowing that advanced age is going to look good on me.

One last thing, maybe the vodka martini I had with lunch was affecting my cognition but I didn't see the syrupy ending that the New York Times reviewer criticized. The ending felt more like a version of finding the will to go on. The road wouldn't be easy but it would be the one to travel. Can't wait to hear what you thought of the movie.