Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring docu about Black media mogul; language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MAXINE'S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY is about the journey of the New Orleans, Louisiana native who experiences child abuse, homelessness, and later becomes a blockbuster entertainment brand. Perry is considered the most successful African American filmmaker in history, has creative control and ownership of his artistic properties, and launches a studio in Atlanta, Georgia with soundstages named after groundbreaking Black artists such as Sidney Poitier, Whoopi Goldberg, and Denzel Washington. Perry credits his mom Maxine and his religious faith for also helping him along the path to fame and fortune.
Is It Any Good?
This definitive bio documentary about Tyler Perry reveals the positively powerful role one mother has in shaping a child's life. "She told me of the value of who I am, of my Blackness," says Perry about his mom in Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. "She said, 'Don't you ever let anybody tell you who you are. You know who you are. You know where you come from.' "
Perry shares that his mom Maxine is a source for his on-screen characters. As a 5-year-old kid, he observed the card games that she played with her women friends, imitated their behavior, and then made his mom laugh. "I watched her stories, I watched her struggles and I'm telling the stories that I come from," he explains. "My first 10 movies were all about her subconsciously, wanting her to know that she was worthy, wanting Black women to know you're worthy, you're special, you're powerful, you're amazing."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication of the cast in Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. How do they also demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
In the documentary, there are scenes of Tyler Perry playing African American characters on-screen. What do you think about his portrayals? Some critics consider Perry's performances as possible negative depictions of Black people. Do you agree or disagree and why?
Perry's mom is considered a motivating influence for her son. Who influences you? Why is this person so important?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 17, 2023
- Cast : Tyler Perry , Whoopi Goldberg , Kenya Barris
- Directors : Gelila Bekele , Armani Ortiz
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Amazon Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Arts , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and strong language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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