This movie is good but not the best Tlyer Perry movie.Some things are a little iffy for kids younger that 12.
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Message-heavy dramedy features fine performances.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
Parents need to know that, like most Tyler Perry movies, this dramedy focuses on mature themes surrounding race, class, marriage, and family. It's considerably less joke-filled than his previous work, and there's very little strong language ("bastard" is the harshest word, and it's only said once). There are two violent scenes, but only one is notably disturbing -- a husband strikes his wife. There are several allusions to an extramarital affair, but only one scene in which the couple embraces/kisses. Otherwise, the sexuality is limited to a few kisses between married couples. Most of the commercialism involves the fancy cars that some of the characters drive.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the film's messages. What points does Perry emphasize in his movies? Class doesn't seem to be an issue between wealthy Charlotte and working-class Alice, but in what other relationships are money and entitlement a problem? Nick tells Pam that Alice is a saint. How is she depicted as the movie's most virtuous character? How is her daughter Andrea portrayed? Perry's movies have been compared to morality plays. Do the overt messages to be honest, hardworking, faithful, etc. take away from or add to the film's entertainment value?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
What’s the Story?
Tyler Perry once again tackles issues of race, class, faith, and marriage in his dramedy THE FAMILY THAT PREYS. At the film's core is the lifelong friendship between wealthy businesswoman Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and working-class diner owner Alice (Alfre Woodard). The story begins at Alice's youngest daughter Andrea's (Sanaa Lathan) elegant wedding, which Charlotte generously hosts. Charlotte's son William (Cole Hauser) offers the bride and groom jobs at his family's lucrative real-estate development firm; after that, the action fast forwards four years. Charlotte and Alice go on cross-country road trip (a la Oprah Winfrey and her best friend Gayle), while at home, a long-term affair between Andrea and William threatens to devastate both families.
Is It Any Good?
Perry's films have a loyal audience. But this one is a step above his prior work and could expand his audience to viewers who weren't already interested in his Madea comedies. By splitting the story in two -- the rock-steady friendship between Charlotte and Alice, versus their children's destructive entanglements -- Perry lightens the predictable melodrama of the younger generation with the matriarchs' trip of a lifetime.
It's a tribute to Perry's reputation that despite lukewarm reviews, his films have successfully attracted more and more top-notch ensembles. Bates and Woodard have a natural rhythm as best friends. Lathan, who's incredibly talented, is perfect as an educated social climber who can't stand her husband or family. She and Woodard have mastered playing mother and daughter (this is their third time) so well that they should be cast as a team. All of the finely crafted performances outshine Perry's overly obvious "lessons" and clichéd plot devices. (Though if you hold on through the end credits, you'll be treated to Gladys Knight's excellent rendition of Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance," the soundtrack's most significant anthem.)
Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate, Director: Tyler Perry
Run time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/12/2008, DVD release: 1/12/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, sexual references and brief violence.
Run time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/12/2008, DVD release: 1/12/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, sexual references and brief violence.
Our Members Say
See 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
-
I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
GREAT MOVIE! 5 STARS
GREAT MOVIE!!! Nothing bad except one of the themes, (Adultery) may put you off so 12+
-
I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
Another Great Tyler Perry Movie
Great movie---although I do miss Madea!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
MamaFitz recommends:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
for kids age 3
See more from MamaFitz
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
for kids age 3
See more from MamaFitz
