Why Did I Get married To?

'Why Did I Get Married Too' is possibly the best film I have seen in half a year. It is also one of the best scripts. Written, directed, produced and starring Tyler Perry, we are greeted by four African-American couples who have marriage difficulties to one degree or another. Getting away to the Caribbean to 'escape from it all', the comic moments soon turn into drama as the layers of problems unravel. They continue to do so as we follow the four couples home to their everyday lives. Psychologist Patricia (Janet Jackson) plays a key role in the narrative: a psychologist forced to leave her analytic mind on her shrink's chair and enter the real world. Enter she does. Jackson't performance is powerful and wouldn't be surprised if she wins an oscar.

We also follow outrageous Angela (Tasha Smith), Sheila (Jill Scott) and lawyer Diane (Sharon Leal) and the drama encountered in their various lives. 'Why Did I Get Married Too' gives the strongest performances of any script this year. This is an original film that will wil make you laugh and cry; but mostly you will enjoy the drama. Highly recommended.

The Last Exorcism

The Last Exorcism follows Reverand Patrick Faban (Cotton Marcus) and a film crew to Louisiana to investigate the reported possession of Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell). The plot revolves around the fact that Reverand Patrick does not believe in the devil or exorcism and the film crew are along as he shows how he fakes exorcisms in order to bring in much needed cash. This is his 'last exorcism'. Forced to be a preacher as a child in order to be a novelty and hence bring in Church dollars, Reverand Patrick has had enough. He has heard of too many people dying-mostly by strangulation-from exorcism. He can't stand by and see it happen again. Little does he know what is awaiting him.

The Last Exorcism is not as predictable as one might think. In fact, the ending has the biggest twist of all. The film would have gained credibility, however, if it remained in the convincing documentary style of the first twenty minutes. Nell as the innocent victim does not quite add up and the reactions of the crew to supposed events that await them would have convinced any sane person to leave this haunted house immediately. This is a somewhat disparate film at best with no coherent narrative follow through. The very end also renders the fact that it is viewable at all a mystery. You will know what I mean when you watch this enjoyable yet mediocre horror.

The Last Exorcism

Grown Ups

Grown ups is a story about 5 young twelve year olds from 1978 who decide to meet thirty years later following the death of their much-loved highschool coach. As 1978 champions of basketball, these men have a long friendship and strong love for their deceased mentor. With an all star cast including Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Kevin james and Rob Schneider, we follow these 'grown ups' and their families to the lakes where they play catch-up and bond with each other's lives. Directed by Dennis Dugan (Meet the parents), Grown Ups is a tale of little plot and happy families. This is a happy but boring film with little point. Coming from such an established and successful director, I was disappointed with situations and dialogue that at times do not add up. One is not supposed to see points at which cut may have been called by the director and the following piecing together by the editor; but one almost does. This is a mediocre film with all our favourite celebs. Just don't expect to be blown away in any capacity.