A Madea Family Funeral | Film Review

For over 20 years in a collection of films now clearing double digits, Tyler Perry’s Madea character has enthralled audiences worldwide. A rambunctious combination of Perry’s own mother tinged with a hint of vintage Eddie Murphy brought this saucy, hilariously vulgar, and spontaneously violent woman into our lives. And for millions of fans, A Madea Family Funeral proves bittersweet, as Tyler Perry has confirmed this to be the final film in his seemingly endless franchise.

For our final foray into Mabel Simmons’ world, Madea – along with her usual posse of Joe, Bam, and Hattie – hitch a ride from Brian (again Tyler Perry, who also plays Joe and Heathrow) to attend a family wedding anniversary for Vianne and Anthony (Jen Harper and Derek Morgan). The family in question harbors a cavalcade of secrets so immense, that they would make a Dynasty TV writer blush. Everything ventures south when Madea and her clan stumble upon Anthony, the family elder, holed up in a motel in mid-coitus with his “friend” Renee…when he suddenly dies.

If that wasn’t spicy enough, we also have the anger-laden and also-married AJ (Courtney Burrell) following in his father’s footsteps as he gallivants about with his brother’s fiancé, and happened upon his father’s demise while catching Renee (Quin Walters) red-handed. As his hypocritical frustration over his Dad’s betrayal grows, so do his blatant outbursts and lashings out at his well-meaning wife, Carol (KJ Smith).

As its predecessors, A Madea Family Funeral ping-pongs between daytime TV melodrama and verbal sparring vignettes showcasing Perry’s eclectic characters as they trade barbs with delightful irreverence. And though this has been consistently billed as the final feather in Madea’s cap, the film leaves the audience no different than her previous films. No hearty goodbye, and most importantly no overstuffed and tragic changing-of-course. Perry chose to play it straight here, and ironically it leaves us missing the character just a little bit more because of it. Akin to when a relative informs you they’re relocating, and then moves without saying goodbye.

As the preparations and funeral itself provide the backdrop for events to unfold, our characters pontificate on every topic ranging from marital fidelity to hoeing out. If you aren’t already a Madea fan, there is nothing here that will change your mind. To those who do appreciate the character, A Madea Family Funeral is stacked with heart and snappy banter.

For all of the flack this series gets from some critical circles, I have personally always enjoyed and respected Perry’s films to varying degrees, with this being no exception. In Madea, Perry created a character who spoke to an audience that no other filmmaker was talking to, and in turn, created a world whose audience grew more inclusive as it went on. In many ways, Tyler Perry finds ways to tackle serious issues in a way most modern filmgoers can relate to, and he does so amidst the cackling of uproarious laughter. For all of our present day righteousness, sometimes it’s nice just to watch a borderline insane elderly woman “thug out”.

Rest in peace, Madea.