Why Did I Get Married? (2007)

Unlike some of the other commentors, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie as it was like a reflection of mine and some of my closest friends lives. All successful professionals with our own angst and issues, trying to navigate these whilst still keeping true to ourselves. As girlfriends, we talk about these issues when we meet up and we all have our own strengths which each brings to the table and so each of us know who to turn to for certain advise. The storyline captivated me from start to finish and although I had not seen the play prior to the movie, I am glad I hadn't as I would have been making too many comparisons as we all do especially if one had read a book which was turned into a movie. The acting was superb by all and felt truly sad how so many exceptionally talented black actors get side-stepped for sub par actors. I have rated this film a 9 based on the storyline and great acting and directing. Kudos to Tyler who for once did well in a non Madea role.

Tyler Perry (Terry) married to Sharon Leal (Diane) Janet Jackson (Patricia) married to Malik Yoba (Gavin) Michael Jai White (Marcus) married to Taisha Smith (Taisha) Jill Scott (Sheila) married to Richard T. Jones (Mike) and Lamon Rucker (Troy) The theme to this movie is about Social Issues involving Love, Marriage, Overcoming and Forgiveness. These 4 married couples who are best friends from college, go on a marriage retreat every year to help strengthen their marriages, discuss their issues and figure out "Why did they get married". Patricia, who is the Psychologists in the group, helps them work through issues in their marriages, but this time her marriage is in more trouble than the others are aware of. Everyone thinks that Patricia and Gavin have the perfect marriage. Patricia and Gavin play their parts to a tee when they are having a serious and emotional moment in the kitchen after returning from the retreat early. The film, "The Best Man" has the same appropriateness as does this movie. It is about social issues of relationships, forgiveness and overcoming as well. One technique that I will choose is the lighting. Throughout the movie the lighting was what I call calm. There were not a light of bright vibrant colors and spot lighting. I do feel that this motif was intentional in order to convey the seriousness of the subject matter. There were some light-hearted moments in dialogue to break up the monotony a little though. But for the most part the lighting was very low light and the focus was on the situations that these couple were facing. The second technique that I will choose is the sound/music. The music helped to set the tone for what was about to happen, and to transition into the next sequence of scenes. It was also utilized to set the mood and the tone of the movie. It almost enabled you to feel the struggles and unfortunate situations happening in the couples lives. It also helped you to feel the love between them as well as the pain.The acting in this film along with the dialog was essential to getting the story-line and the mood across and to engage the viewer in the life circumstances of each couple. The story-line in this film was excellent and all too real life. The lessons learned could be helpful to struggling marriages who are having a difficult time figuring out "Why they got married"!

I first saw this when it came out with my sister and I like very much, though not the best of Perry (thought what is?)but still a good film. I felt the story was strong and the plot points really hit it on the head dealing with marital issues such as birth issues, cheating, trust, family death, self image and last divorce though what can you expect from an unmarried man. The shocker came when something Perry just never gets astounded me in this story, A single plot, yes my friends a single plot because Perry adds over 40 plots in one movie but they come together as a mess actually learned the single plot rule. I for one applaud him, but I also still think he should've known this. Anyway descent film just watch it on TBS, TNT or whatever turner network shows it.

Before seeing this film or any other Tyler Perry production I, like many of you, had my doubts. But there is something quite engaging when watching this film. The thing I ask you to remember when watching this film is seeing what was produced with the resources at hand. Of course there are flaws and the emotions seem slightly pushed at times, but it was a good story full of love, understanding, fun, and laughter. Tasha Smith did an excellent in her role as did Tyler, Sharon Leal, and Jill Scott. You fall in love with these guys, all of them, and whats going on in there lives very quickly. I will admit that the cast of characters would be better suited for a television sitcom. But, with the amount of main characters in this film, i still say a job well done. I am most eager to see how their stories develop in the next movie and i also think that it would also be a wonderful idea to consider a television show going back to when they all first met and started dating and for it to be on a network like HBO or showtime, but that might be dreaming too high. Anyway, this was a successful film am I am excited to see the next film and some of the films Perry has put out that I've missed. Just check it out with an open mind.