Tyler Perry Single Moms Club

Tyler Perry Single Moms Club

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 3/14/14

Reviewed 3/15/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Cindy

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Tyler Perry directs, writes, and stars in his latest film. I always really enjoy Perry movies. Cindy agreed and said they usually are funny, and have a good message. This is another one.

I will concede that some of his films are cookie cutter with the stereotypes, but Perry sure knows how to cast the good looking and covers all the demographics with blacks, whites, and Hispanics. They have covered male, female of lower, middle and upper classes. Perry even does a lot of recasts, but all this works because people keep going to see his movies. The audience is filled with mostly gals, but really I think there is more broad appeal and guys should not be fearful of the name.

Five struggling single mothers are forced together because their children, enrolled in an exclusive Atlanta prep school, are teetering on expulsion due to some forgivable shenanigans. This gives the principal an excuse to force this mixed group of moms into penance. They are going to be the planning committee for an upcoming school fundraiser. With all their differences it's no surprise they get off to a rocky start, but they quickly learn it's easier to support and lean on each other than being combative. There are a smattering of jerky exes in the mix and then some hot pursuers, making you wonder why there's so much resistance from the mommies. There is a hilarious scene of banter between Hilary (Amy Smart) and handyman neighbor Peter (Ryan Eggold) that carries on and it only takes a second to realize their double meaning that causes a lot of snickering.

The inception of The Single Moms Club happens almost by accident as the idea is blurted out at one of the gals' planning meetings. One weekend night a week one of them stays back and babysits, while the rest go out together. Great concept...and it works...for one week. May (Nia Long) is the first one to lose it with the rest of them when her 10-year-old son walks out of babysitter Hilary's house without telling anyone to seek out his loser dad. He disappears all night and then a tearful reunion between mother and son follows as he reveals he has discovered his dad's true nature. This is of course no surprise to May. There are ups and downs, with more more downs, for these single moms but they land on their feet now and then. Proving that friendships provide support and motivation to make these relationships worthwhile and beats just trying it all on your own. Sweet and delightful, Tyler Perry Single Moms Club might surprise you that this film can appeal to just about anyone...and everyone.

Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj