Peeples

'PEEPLES': Three Stars (Out of Five)

Two former TV comedy stars clash in this family relations film produced by Tyler Perry. Craig Robinson (of 'THE OFFICE' fame) and David Alan Grier (of 'IN LIVING COLOR' fame) play a children's song writer and the father of the woman he wants to marry (who takes a disliking to him). Kerry Washington (of 'DJANGO UNCHAINED' fame) plays the woman they're at odds over. The movie is a lot like 'MEET THE PARENTS' (except for the obvious difference of a black cast rather than a white one). It's funny, even though it's not that original in any way. Definitely not a bad film (like reviews and some cinephiles like to make it out to be).

Robinson plays Wade Walker, a man who makes a living writing and performing songs for children (as a sort of therapy). He's been dating his girlfriend Grace Peeples (Washington) for over a year now and she still hasn't introduced him to her family. The weekend Wade plans to propose to Grace she informs him she's going to her family's annual reunion in the Hamptons (for 'Moby Dick Day'). Receiving advice from his friend Malcolm (Chris Walker) Wade decides to show up at the Peeples reunion unannounced in order to ask Grace's father Virgil (Grier) for his daughter's hand in marriage. Things of course don't go as planned as Virgil immediately dislikes and distrusts Wade (and no man has ever been good enough for his daughter).

The film was written and directed by first time feature film director Tina Gordon Chism (who had previously written the 2006 comedy/crime-drama film 'ATL' and the 2002 marching band comedy flick 'DRUMLINE'). When I first saw the film advertised as 'TYLER PERRY PRESENTS PEEPLES' I had no desire to see it. I'm not a fan or Perry's; I think he sucks at drama and is even worse with comedy (I hate his 'Madea' character). I was intrigued by the pairing of Robinson and Grier though and thought it was great that Robinson was starring in his own movie. I think Robinson was great on 'THE OFFICE' and is awesome as part of the Seth Rogen/Judd Apatow team. He's a talented comedic actor and he's great in this as well. Grier is perfectly paired opposite him (as his antagonist) although it's odd to see him playing the grey-haired older fatherly character. I grew up watching him share the screen with the likes of Jim Carrey, Jamie Fox and the Wayans brothers on 'IN LIVING COLOR' and he doesn't seem like he should be that old already. He's not, he's only 58 (57 at the time of filming) and just 16 years older than Robinson. Still he's perfect in the part. The movie is funny, not hilarious or extremely memorable, but it works and it's much better than the negative word of mouth it's gotten.

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When gilfriend Kerry Washington leaves him to go spend time at a family reunion in Sag Harbor, Craig Robinson follows, intending to propose. But between her federal judge father (David Alan Grier), former rock star mother (S. Epatha Merkerson) and intimidating surroundings, Robinson feels himself outmatched. As he observes, though, he comes to realize that this is less than an ideal family.

It's basically a Black version of MEET THE PARENTS. That said, there are plenty of funny and telling incidents, a fine cast, and event some good photography, even if people seem to think that Sag Harbor is in Connecticut and not on Long Island. Miss Merkerson is very good. After watching her play a tough police captain for more than a decade, I had no idea she could sing.

Peeples (2013) is a movie that I recently watched on Netflix. The storyline follows a couple that seem perfectly happy. The boyfriend plans to propose to his lady, but she needs to attend a family event...a family her boyfriend has never met. The boyfriend decides to surprise his girlfriend and randomly appear at her family's house. He's about to discover why she's been in no rush to introduce him to her family.

This picture is written and directed by Tina Gordon (Little) and stars Kerry Washington (Scandal), Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine), David Alan Greer (In Living Color), S. Epatha Merkerson (Jacob's Ladder), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) and Melvin Van Peebles (The Shining).

The storyline for this picture isn't overly creative but is well executed with worthwhile characters, circumstances and dialogue. David Alan Greer was over the top but hilarious. Washington and Robinson were fine in their roles. There are some great scenes in this that will give you a good chuckle - the interaction with ex-boyfriends, the "sauna"scene and Meg's song/poetry were hilarious. But there was something missing to make this a masterpiece.

Overall, while the content is hit or miss, there's enough worthwhile scenes to make this worth a watch. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

I was one of the few who probably expected a bit too much from this film but I wasn't disappointed as many were. The plot for the film wasn't anything to brag about and it's formulaic execution doesn't seem to tired out as the trailer depicts. The main element this movie has going for it are the numerous memorable moments, long after I exited the theater I kept playing all of the outrageously funny scenes in my head and trust me there were many, mostly near the conclusion. A real challenge I will put onto you is trying to find an unlikable character, surprisingly every single character is well rounded and has their own personally attractive "persona." It is at times rather mature, it's uncalled for sometimes and the blend between the maturity and silly antics really work together. Performance wise, Craig Robinson played his role with his every ounce of charisma and David Alan Grier is always entertaining in mostly anything he's involved in. Overall, this is a great and light comedy that is an amazing treat to bring your mother to for Mother's Day.

"Peeples" is an awkward meet-the-parents-type of comedy, that unfortunately doesn't really stand out in any particular way compared to the many other movies in the same genre that has come and gone over the years.

The story is about Wade (played by Craig Robinson) who travel to pay a surprise visit to his girlfriend Grace Peeples (played by Kerry Washington) while she is visiting her family in the Hamptons. The Peeples seem to have it all, but things are not entirely picture-perfect underneath the surface, and situations boil over as Wade enters the picture.

The situations in the movie are good enough and there is an occasional laugh to be found here and there, but be warned that the movie will not have you laughing constantly throughout the entire length.

As for the people on the cast list, then they had put together a good ensemble of people for the various roles, and each did bring something unique to the movie. And the chemistry between the various characters (and actors) be it for a good or bad situation was working quite well. It was David Alan Grier, who played the father in the movie, who was doing the best performance here and carried most of the movie.

However, I am rating "Peeples" a mere 5 out of 10 stars, because it never stepped out of mediocrity, and truth be told, then there are far better comedies in this particular genre. But still, it is good for a laugh or two if you have nothing better to do.