Entertainment

10:48 AM CDT on Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Madea's Family Reunion

B+

Starring Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Keke Palmer and Cicely Tyson. Directed by Mr. Perry. PG-13 (mature thematic material, domestic violence, sex and drug references). 110 mins. plus extras. $29.98

ONE TO KEEP: Madea's Family Reunion, a universal story of dysfunctional kinfolk crafted around the complicated love life of two sisters, is worth another go-round for the powerful porch gathering and the epic-style wedding scenes.

LOCATION, LOCATION: At the historic Gaither estate near Atlanta, Madea's co-matriarch Myrtle (Cicely Tyson) addresses the family reunion from what was once a slave porch, delivering an indelible cinematic oration on the State of African-Americans (I dare you to be dry-eyed after). As for the nuptial scenes, set and clothing designers under the direction of Mr. Perry deliver an extravaganza that possibly rivals any big-screen I do's to date.

EXTRA EXTRAS: The DVD includes featurettes detailing the surprised-filled on-site production of the Gaither gathering, highlighting the remarkable improvisation by Ms. Tyson and legendary poet Maya Angelou. Go behind the scenes with the two grande dames and the rest of the ensemble. There also is a delicious inside look at the wedding, satisfying curiosities about those rigged angels, the bride's weighty dress and more.

FINAL NOTE: Mr. Perry's triple play of Madea, Uncle Joe and Brian the lawyer continues to amaze me. I just wish he would lose the Uncle Joe flatulence bit. It wasn't all that funny the first time.

Jean Nash Johnson