Based upon Tyler Perry's acclaimed stage production, Madea's Family Reunion continues the adventures of Southern matriarch Madea. She has just been court ordered to be in charge of Nikki, a rebellious runaway, her nieces, Lisa and Vanessa, are suffering relationship trouble, and through it all, she has to organize her family reunion.
Let's not sell Tyler Perry short. As the vinegar-witted Madea, he's a drag performer of testy charm, but in his overlit patchwork way he's also making the most primal women's pictures since Joan Crawford flexed her shoulder pads.
– Owen Gleiberman,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Mar 2006
rotten:
At times it feels as if Perry made three separate films, dumped them in a blender and hit the puree button.
– Christy Lemire,
Deseret News, Salt Lake City,
3 Mar 2006
rotten:
Tyler Perry's heart is in the right place, but he still has a tin ear.
– Christy Lemire,
Associated Press,
7 Mar 2006
fresh:
Perry's vaudevillian shamelessness and indifference to committee-approved taste are energizing and frequently jaw-dropping.
– Jim Ridley,
Village Voice,
7 Mar 2006
rotten:
Nothing that happens seems the least bit believable, and everything is brash and loud. All that's missing is the laugh track.