OK for kids 14+
Message-heavy dramedy features fine performances.
What Parents Need to Know
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 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: The film's messages are clear: Stay loyal to your friends, don't disrespect your family, don't cheat because it always ends badly, and don't give up your dreams. An interracial relationship is depicted negatively, but that's because it's extramarital.
What to watch for
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Violence: A husband strikes his wife in the face after she insults him and admits to having an affair; he later grabs the other man and holds his body over a ledge. A character purposely overdoses (off screen) on prescription medication.
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Sex: Couples embrace and kiss, including a man and a woman who are having an affair. The affair is discussed by various characters.
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Language: Fairly mild; language includes "bastard," "piss," and "colored woman" (said jokingly by an African-American woman).
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Consumerism: Featured brands include Mercedes, Porsche, Coke, and Dasani water. The song "I Hope You Dance" is prominently mentioned in the film, instead of just being on the soundtrack. Oprah Winfrey's roadtrip with her friend Gayle is Charlotte and Alice's inspiration.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters say "I need a drink" or "get me to a bar" a few times; wedding guests drink cocktails; Charlotte gets drunk doing tequila shots and orders mixed drinks on the road trip.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Scandalous and Dramatic by Power_Ball
For Tyler fans, he does not disappoint. The lies, deceit and betrayal with the overly dramatic blowout scene...it's all there.
Too predictable and not humorous enough for my taste. I miss Madea, however it was refreshing to see Robin Givens on screen again and Kathy Bates was fabulous, she made this film worth seeing!
5
Another Hit by ossining
I saw this film last night, the first night it showed. I was eager to see Tylers new film, since I was thrilled with all of his films to date. I , unlike the critic Roger Moore of The Orlando Sentinel, was thrilled again by Mr. Perry's newest film "The Family That Preys". As far as I'm concerned Mr. Moore, either lives in some fantasy world, or he wasn't watching the same film we were. The Cast, story line, and deliverance of all the actors was excellant. Mr. Moore in his review speaks of unsophisticated grab-bags of melodramatic cliches, tired jokes and sermonizing. We on the other hand, saw none of what Mr. Moore saw. We saw what happens in our every day life, sibling rivalry, and an ungratfull child, and Mr. Moore's statement of sermonizing, is he opposed to delivering a messege,that may be so very needed in this day and age? What would Mr. Moore do if his wife, if he's even married, castrated him in front of family and strangers? In our oppinion it"s another hit. More, if I had ---
5
He did it again by KandieKane
Tyler perry has dazzled us again. He has shown how talented he is and diverse he can be. Madea is not his only hit. As in Daddy's Little girl this movie pulls at the heart strings and give you a fresh look at life. The cast was well picked and amazing. Thank you Mr. Perry for an enjoyable movie experience.
5
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys by ljichambers
Tyler Perry never fails to write, produce and direct outstanding movies that always contain several life lessons about important real issues that many of us have experienced. The movie was terrific and I recommend it highly!!!!
5
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys by Darkcocoa47
Another Hit! There were parts that were predictable, but there were parts that catch you off guard. I loved it.
5
misssamb by misssamb
Oh my gosh, Tyler Perry has done it again. This movie was amazing. I am going to see it again.
4
Very Good by DidgitX10
This is a movie to see. True life-long friendship, but also betrayal. It's a very touching film with alot of life lessons in it. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Don't cast stones when your the one living in the glass house, And respect others (don't burn your bridges) you never truly know who someone is, or if you might need to go to them for help later.
This is a don't miss movie, and a must to go into your home library. I won't lie. Take some tissues with you (just a hint).
5
Awesome by FRONT_ROW_
I saw this week "Righteous Kill", "The Women" and "Burn before reading "or is it "Burn after reading"...whatever, they were all a waste of time compared to this SOUL FEEDING work of art. What can I say, Kathy Bates is her usual magnificent self and the movie just plain feels good without being cheesy.
Do yourself a favor and see it.
5
Movie for everyone by adorse2
This is a must see. This movie is unlike anything he has ever done. Its for whites and blacks. His best movie yet! Kathy Bates was awesome!
4
Tyler Perry's The Family That Prey's by dallas5557
I really enjoy Tyler Perry's films always, so going into the movie, I knew to expect a great story line and humor. I thought Kathy Bates was hilarious in the movie! She and Alfre Woodard did a wonderful job as a modern day Thelma and Louise. The supporting cast was also great. Sanaa Lathan did a fantastic job in the role that she played and it was good to see her switch it up because she is such a sweet girl in most of her other films. The movie overall was wonderful, great family film, I left the theater feeling uplifted and encouoraged. Its a story that everyday people can relate too, cheating spouses and the effect that it can have on an entire family. Great Job Tyler Perry! Another success!