STARRING: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epetha Merkeson, Tyler James Williams, Kali Hawk, Diahann Carroll, Melvin Van Peebles, Ana Gasteyer, Malcolm Barrett, and Kimrie Lewis Davis.
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Tina Gordon Chism
I honestly avoided this in theatres because of the “Tyler Perry Presents”. I usually avoid things that have Tyler Perry’s name attached to it. However, I finally broke down and watched this because I really like Craig Robinson (and Kerry Washington has a lot of goodwill built up after Scandal). I was a little pleased that the film wasn’t awful, but it’s not great either.
Wade (Robinson) sings songs to children about not peeing on other people. For a living. I’m not fucking with you. His girlfriend, Grace (Washington) doesn’t know he’s planning to propose this weekend, so she decides to go home to her family for Moby Dick day. Again, I’m not fucking with you. Her dad, Judge Peeples (Grier, still not fucking with you) is a tough guy, so tough that Grace hasn’t told them about Wade. Grace’s sister (Hawk) is also gay, and has her girlfriend with her, but everyone just assumes that they are BFF’s. Grace’s mom (Merkeson) is a recovering alcoholic, and also a disco pop star.
Through a series of bizarre events, Wade tries to impress the family, but fails at every turn. It’s pretty silly, and I can see why the film bombed (because there isn’t anything here you haven’t seen before). Quirky old people love nudity and pot! Who knew!? This film really lives and dies with Robinson, who is put through a trial by fire of what could be a terrible film, that is saved largely by him. I’m convinced that any film starring Craig Robinson now, will at least be of some minor quality. If he can work his way through this, he can work his way through anything.
Kerry Washington was alright, and does a good job supporting Robinson. And for what its worth, I enjoyed Grier, Merkeson, and Tyler James Williams in their roles. The rest of the cast can go away. I can’t recommend this film for anyone other than die hard Craig Robinson fans.
FINAL GRADE: C-
