"The Family that Preys" Prayers Were Answered

Written September 22, 2008

Self-established media mogul Tyler Perry, film producer, screen writer, director, playwright, and actor, debuted his fifth feature film, "The Family that Preys," this weekend.  His usual stock characters and a few new ones circle around familiar themes within this new plot.  As with Perry's previous films, his latest one deals with issues of infidelity, miscommunication and self-denial. 

Although Perry's films and plays always feature African-American families, in this film, he introduces his first white family, the Cartwrights, a high society family that share's close ties with the Pratts, a lower-middle class African-American family.  Set in present day Carolina, instead of focusing solely on race, the film examines the effects of social stratification.

Small restaurant owner and devout Christian Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodad) is best friends with business woman and socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates).  The women, who met thirty years ago when Cartwright's husnad want to by Pratt's home to expand his development, support one another through mid-life changes.

However, their adult children, Pam Pratt (Taraji P. Henderson), Andrea Pratt (Sanaa Lathan) and William Cartwright (Cole Hauser), have complicated relationships as Pam and Andrea battle against one another while Andrea and WIlliam (who are both married to other people) have an affair.

An abundance of foreshadowing weakens the suspense of the film, and the lack of skilled cinematography is evident with the films unusual, unnecessarily long pans and stalled frames of black between scenes.

But throughout the film, the plot unravels, revealing a life-altering road trip, a bundle of arguments, and an affair that all lead to a series of intense, gripping, climaxes, making the film well worth seeing.

Perry continues to display positive views of African-Americans that are difficult to find in mainstream entertainment. And while Perry's inclusion of white characters may expand his audience, he continues to give his dedicated supporters what they love.

Perry gives each subplot closure, as Charlotte's favorite song reveals his inspirational message-"Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, and when you get the choice to sit out or dance... I hope you dance," which audience members sung as they exited the theater.