Review: Peeples

Tyler Perry Presents a Movie He Didn't Write or Direct

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: May 10, 2013 – U.S.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Running Time: 95 minutes

Director: Tina Gordon Chism

Writer: Tina Gordon Chism

Cast: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, 

David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, 

Tyler James Williams, Melvin Van Peebles, 

Diahann Carroll, Kali Hawk, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, 

Malcolm Barrett

"Peeples" is being marketed as a movie "presented" by Tyler Perry, which is just a fancy way of saying he didn't actually write or direct it – Tina Gordon Chism did. But Perry is credited as the producer, and his fingerprints are seemingly all over the place.

This marks the first leading role for comedic actor Craig Robinson, who was one of the highlights of the otherwise wildly inconsistent "Zack and Miri" and more than held his own in "This is the End" against James Franco, Danny McBride, and the rest of that star-studded cast. It's an opportunity he has earned and deserves. But as Robinson has shown in his own career, sometimes the supporting parts are the best ones. That's certainly the case here, too.

Wade Walker (Robinson) is in love with Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington, "Scandal"). When she takes a trip to visit her family, he surprises her by showing up at their doorstep without warning – only to find out that they have no idea who he is. Ouch!

This is a well-worn formula, used over and over (with slight variations) in countless movies through the years, because it's simple but effective – sometimes, anyway.

Grace's father, Judge Virgil Peeples (David Alan Grier), is a hard man to please. He's also an intimidating one. Even though Grace is a high-priced lawyer herself, she's still afraid of Daddy.

Age has served David Alan Grier well. For the part of Judge Peeples, he has morphed into a cranky old man. It's a routine I wouldn't mind seeing him repeat in future films. He steals the show from Robinson. Like I said, sometimes the supporting roles are the best ones. In a way, it's disappointing that Robinson doesn't radiate the same room-filling charisma and dominance we've seen him from him previously. To be fair, the character of Wade calls for a meeker, more nervous portrayal. But it also has to do in part with Grier, who is just that good as the ornery judge and judgmental dad.

The Peeples clan also includes the judge's wife, Daphne (S. Epatha Merkerson, "Law & Order"), who is much more friendly and mellow than her sourpuss husband – for, well, various reasons. Merkerson is delightful in the role and makes the most of it. Their other daughter, Gloria (Kali Hawk), is very close to her "friend," Meg (Kimrie Lewis-Davis).  Their youngest son, Simon (Tyler James Williams, "Everybody Hates Chris"), is a robotics genius who insists on being called "Si" because Simon is a white boy's name. He also tries to be "gangsta" in other ways. Grandpa and Nana Peeples also make an appearance (Melvin Van Peebles of "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" and "Dynasty's" Diahann Carroll lend their credibility in small supporting roles).

They're joined by Chris Walker (Malcolm Barrett), Wade's younger brother. Wade is a therapist/musician who sings silly songs about urine to kids to help them overcome their anger and fear. Chris is a doctor, but not just any kind of doctor – he's a doll doctor! Needless to say, these aren't career paths that will impress the snooty, stuffy (on the surface) Judge Peeples.

"Peeples" bounces from one vignette to another, all of which lightly thread together the main narrative of Wade getting to know the Peeples. I'm not sure whether the loose structure is refreshing or annoying. In any case, it doesn't quite work. There are a few scenes that are meant to be shocking or outrageous, but they somehow manage to feel dry and lifeless. Even Kerry Washington in a schoolgirl uniform barely elicits any excitement. Like Halle Berry as Catwoman, it sounds so much better on paper!

Stories of this type always seem to build toward a massive family fight, filled with raised voices and uncomfortable revelations. "Peeples" is no exception. But when the big "explosion" finally happens, it all feels a bit rushed and underwhelming.

The movie drags at times, but the characters are pleasant and I did find myself developing warm feelings toward each of them. Still, after seeing "The Big Wedding" so recently, I can't help but compare the two. "Wedding" features a similar setting, but with much better execution, funnier jokes, and big moments that actually pack a punch.

"Peeples" is never a bad movie, but it's not a particularly memorable one either. There are worse ways to waste a lazy Sunday afternoon, but why waste it at all?  There are far better films about families to choose from – and far better films, period. Only diehard fans of David Alan Grier need apply.

Review: This is the End

Big Laughs from the Beginning

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: June 12, 2013 – U.S.

Rating: R

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Running Time: 107 minutes

Directors: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen        

Writers: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen

Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, 

Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, 

Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, 

Michael Cera, Emma Watson

"This is the End" features several notable names – James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, and Emma Watson, among others – all "playing themselves." They're trapped in Franco's house during the apocalypse.

Are they performing over-the-top versions of their real-life personalities, or are these – scarily enough – toned down portraits of who they actually are? Seth Rogen (who also has a starring role) and Evan Goldberg wrote and directed the film. Is this how they see their closest friends?

Of course, such probing questions are really beside the point. All that truly matters is how funny it is – and "This is the End" is genuinely hilarious. When I first heard about its premise, I thought it would be obnoxious and unbearable. What makes this movie so brilliant is that it doesn't even matter whether you like these actors or hate them; no matter how you feel going in, they play up their reputations to the hilt to create some truly hysterical moments. By the end of it, I left the theater loving them all.

But this film's brand of humor isn't for the faint of heart. Rape and masturbation are a few of the many inappropriate topics tackled by these housebound Hollywood stars as they try to get through the end of the world. It's rude, crude, and devilishly entertaining.

What else can be said? I can point out the humorous irony of a bunch of Jewish actors riffing on the Christian version of Armageddon. I found that fascinating. But this movie isn't about searching for any deeper meaning. It's all designed to make you laugh, and you likely will. I certainly did – many times.

There are some slow moments and a few things fall flat, but that's nitpicking.

"This is the End" is the rare comedy that has replay value. It's full of references and in-jokes. You won't spot them all the first time. The cast list on IMDB alone tells me that I didn't notice – or forgot – quite a few of the surprises. Of course, there is at least one memorable cameo that's impossible to miss – but I won't spoil it. I'll just say that it involves a trailer, a leash, and a wrestling mask. 

Would you want to spend your last moments with these people? Probably not. But they're certainly worth two hours of your time.

___

Special Bonus: In a questionable move that won't win me any "Uncle of the Year" awards, I took my impressionable teenage niece to see "This is the End." Here are her reactions...

NOTE: The following "interview" contains SPOILERS for the movie!

What did you think of "This is the End"?

Silver Screen Niece: I thought it was really funny, but overall, the plot was kind of stupid.

Why?

Silver Screen Niece: It was about the apocalypse, and then Jonah Hill got possessed, and then there was a giant seven-headed monster.

What did you like about it?

Silver Screen Niece: All the jokes they were making, the crude language, and I liked how they used their real names in the movie – that was cool.

Who was your favorite character?

Silver Screen Niece: Probably James Franco (laughs).

Why Franco?

Silver Screen Niece: Because he's cuuute (giggles). But he really needed to shave in the movie. Oh, who was that guy that everyone hated?

Do you mean Jay Baruchel?

Silver Screen Niece: No, it was Danny McBride. He was funny. And I like how they threw Channing Tatum and Emma Watson in there.

How the hell did that just appear?

As I try to figure out what happened, my niece continues talking about Emma Watson.

Silver Screen Niece: You wouldn't expect her [Watson] to be in a movie like that. She's not usually in movies like that.

What should I call this column? World's Worst Uncle?

Silver Screen Niece: Yes, because it [the movie] was highly inappropriate (laughs). But it was funny.

Were there any characters you didn't like?

Silver Screen Niece: Let me think about that. (Pause.) No, I liked all of them. They were all really funny.

Do you have anything else to add?

Silver Screen Niece: I would definitely recommend seeing this movie. Just don't take any young children – unless you want to scar them for life.

Oops! Too late (smiles).