Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story

"Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story" is a great "rags to riches" success story, but only a cursory analysis of Perry's body of work. Co-directed by. Gelila Bekele, Perry's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, the film rarely scratches below the surface of his life and career. People who are familiar with Tyler Perry probably already know about his difficult childhood and how he clawed his way into an industry that didn't really want him. Throughout the film, there are ample self-congratulatory comments by either Perry or his supporters that present opinions as fact and therefore not worthy of discussion. For example, the fact that several of his films opened at number one at the box office is synonymous with quality and/or commercial success, when in fact that is not always the case. Many films that open at number one are both critical and commercial failures, while films that never hit number one can often be huge successes. The little time spent on Perry's critics is limited to familiar soundbites that largely dismiss them as either elites, "haters" or "dream killers." At the same time, Perry's criticism of others is given a forum where his opinions are presented as fact with no interest in presenting an opposing point of view. In short, "Maxine's Baby," will probably appeal to his fans and maybe a few others that appreciate his business sense, but does little win over the unconverted.

I never knew Tayler's journey and it was so moving to hear it. Going from such struggle in New Orleans growing up to owning his very own studio.

It's always incredible to see the journey of ordinary people who go on to achieve such great things.

I will almost certainly watch this again and with friends. His love for his mother reminds me of mine and the name of the show is just perfect.

Don't usually write reviews for shows/ movies but this one I had to. This has made my Sunday and I would encourage everyone to go and watch it .

I hope to one day visit the studio in Atlanta to see physically the great things that can be achieved.

Omg!! Mr. Tyler Perry Sir. My God!! This is worth Watching! You can feel, hear his story and you deserve everybit of success! When you truly allow God to rule and reign in your life, the Overflowing of Blessings your cup definitely runs over! It's moving and you can see the level of process that it took for Tyler Perry to get to where he is now. The rocks that was thrown he used them as stepping stones to walk through to the other side. When you watch this it will definitely give you hope that God has not forgotten about you. God is a reader of those that diligently seek him! Tanke a bow Tyler!

The anticipation for Amazon's 'Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story' led me to expect a detailed exploration of Tyler Perry's upbringing, family dynamics, and his journey in Hollywood.

However, the documentary falls short of expectations, offering only a few scenes where Perry discusses his early days in theatre and television production.

The narrative lacks vulnerability, with Perry speaking sparingly about his abusive childhood.

The film raises the intriguing question of how Perry's life would unfold without the pain that shaped him, yet it provides scant information on this crucial aspect.

Many stories are introduced but left unexplored, creating more questions than answers. The documentary feels controlled, with a sense that certain narratives are carefully curated.

Despite occasional church services and choirs, there's a lack of substantial content that viewers would eagerly want to know.

Perry's criticism of the traditional Hollywood system's wastefulness lacks conviction, and the documentary leaves unanswered questions about his creative process.

The excessive focus on race, coupled with repetitive language, detracts from the overall impact.

The documentary's repetitive nature, constant praise, and lack of in-depth exploration make it fall short of delivering the comprehensive and detailed account expected from such a prominent filmmaker's story.

Let me explain,

Tyler being a major filmmaker, I expected a better documentary.

The documentary predominantly showcases scenes of Perry opening studios, attending premieres, and making appearances on talk shows with figures like Oprah.

The content seems shallow, lacking the detailed insights that viewers were hoping for. Perry, dressed impeccably in suits, offers little personal disclosure, leaving the audience wanting more substance and context.

The documentary heavily emphasizes Perry's spirituality and frequently delves into discussions about race, highlighting his triumphs as a black man overcoming challenges in the industry.

While the theme is undoubtedly crucial, the documentary fails to provide sufficient depth and context, rendering it forgettable and disappointing. Perry's appearances on various talk shows appear to offer more engaging insights than this documentary.

One positive aspect is Perry's evident appreciation for his mother and aunt, providing some touching moments.

Overall, while there may be some takeaway from the documentary, it offers disappointingly little in terms of a comprehensive and detailed exploration of Tyler Perry's life and career.

A current documentary airing on Amazon Prime regarding our favorite Madea performer, one Tyler Perry. Tracing his hard scrabble roots in New Orleans where he was in an abusive home (getting beaten by his father on the regular) but after finding a calling somewhat in the church where he could exercise his comedic muscles much to the chagrin of his pastor, he then wrote a stage play where he used his own money to stage it to widespread ignorance since practically no one showed up to see it. W/this outcome, Perry still maintained to push forward but not until he decided to put the show on in Atlanta did he finally gain traction w/the people which would become his bread & butter; a large black audience who would occasionally go to mainstream theatrical productions but found in Perry's a safe space for the type of characters they were more familiar & comfortable with. From this success, he decided to mount the same play but now as a film w/him playing his signature character, Madea, which struck a chord w/the viewing public creating a financial windfall for the production which Perry would replicate w/many of his subsequent releases. With the money coming in, Perry decided to flex his finances & build studios in vacant buildings finding it was not enough so setting his sights on an abandoned army base, the die was cast w/Perry buying the property thereby opening up the first black owned film studio complex (even naming some of the buildings after some current & past luminaries like Halle Berry, Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Oprah Winfrey, et al). Not shying away from the criticism that's dogged his career of his creations pandering to the lowest common denominator (something I myself have said when asked), Perry has embraced what his critics call his shortcomings & used them as strengths. A good doc to be sure but still feeling a bit like it was made inhouse where the Kool-aid was not only served but drank on repeat.