I had the privilege of attending a preview of "For Colored Girls" last night. The movie is based on the award winning stage play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf." In the book and the stage play, each woman is dressed in a different color and represents the life of a black woman.
The movie. Oh the movie. This has got to be Tyler Perry's best. This is one of the most wonderfully cast movies that i've seen in a long time. I get to hear Janet say "It's myyyyy money" one more time. The beautiful and fragile Thandie Newton is getting her swing on with every guy in town. Michael Ealy. Damn Michael. I still love you. Kimberly Elise is as strong as ever. Omari Hardwick will take your breath away the first time that you see him. The man is fine. FINE! But no match for our girl Janet. Hill Harper is still supportive and loving. We might be the same height, but I could marry him. Phylicia Rashad is still supportive, but a little bitchy. What a change. Anika Noni Rose is still beautiful and graceful. You wont believe what happens to her. You won't believe it. Khalil Kain. Damn you. But call me. We can talk it out. Kerry Washington gets to push up on Hill Harper. I would've played the role, just for that. Whoopi looked like Celie. She really did. But gave a great performance. It's amazing how good of an actress Maci Gray is. She can play crazy really well. She should do it more often. And last but not least, Loretta Devine. That's my girl when it comes to cussin' people out. She says sh*t like no other. I don't know why, she just does. Whenever I want someone to get cussed out, I just want to get her on the line. I really wish that they'd do something with her hair though.
Before I went, my friend and I were wondering if there would be the normal Tyler characteristics. Wrapping up all of the action in the last 2 minutes and a 45 minute speech where we learn about a persons whole life and how they wont take it anymore. But the speeches were replaced by actual poems from the book. I think that he might've written one, but I can't be sure. I really need to read the book. Either way, this movie was great. Pay full price. Side step the local boot leg man. Take your friends, boyfriend, mother, and sister. I originally thought that it was only a "girl" movie, but there were many guys in the audience and I think that they might enjoy it. It's been a while since I gasped out loud in a movie. Well I guess I did during the car scene at the end of "Why Did I Get Married Too." But this was way more gut wrenching.
It's amazing to me that a play that was shown in 1974 is still relevant now. Tyler wrote portions of the movie, but the meanings are still relevant. I don't want to give away too much. I guess those that have already seen the play and read the book, know what happens, but go and see it anyway. Some portions were written in.
Tell me what you think after you see it.
