Goodness, no, Tyler Perry did not make a great movie. If you were hoping For Colored Girls would channel the spirit of Ntozake Shange’s original sensuous poem-play born in a lesbian bar outside Berkeley at the height of the Vietnam War—yeah, that’s not happening. But that restless spirit of third world feminism did rise up Monday night inside the Egyptian Theatre, where hundreds of women and men of color (along with off-whites—anti-racist whites) got together for one of a handful of prescreenings across the country. “I felt joy sitting in a room full of black people watching a film,” one woman said afterward. She didn’t like the movie, but the movie wasn’t the point. “It was almost like the audience transcended the film.”
What’s at stake in a movie like For Colored Girls—Shange’s original was called For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow Is Enuf—is nothing short of a national portrait of black women. It’s a political event regardless of Perry’s Christian sexual hang-ups, his heavy-handed style (and inclination to allow Janet Jackson to pretend she can act), and the fact, simply, that he’s a male presenting a very female set of stories. You can almost forget Perry, thanks to the sheer power of the actresses (except you-know-who); I haven’t seen any other performances this year that compete with these—especially from Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, and Phylicia Rashad. (And Macy Gray gives the juiciest cameo of the year as a back-alley abortionist from hell.)
Monday’s event was organized by new Seattle collective Real Colored Girls, and cofounder Christa Bell spoke from the stage to emphasize the occasion: a moment to rethink images of black women. “Real colored girls,” she said, “are offended and bored.”
The postshow discussion was a blend of confession and critique that sent currents of conversation out into the night. “That happened to me, to my sister; this movie was a mirror.” “He skipped all the high points of being a black woman; I have never seen so many images of black women shaking and crying.” “I had a problem with this film as a brother. We get maybe six movies a year. I’d rather be watching The Cosby Show.”
Later, at a bar, somebody was telling a story about when Jill Scott came to play Benaroya Hall. “When she got onstage and saw all of us black folks out there in the audience, she said, ‘If I’d had any idea that you were here, I would have set my flight to later!'” The screening of For Colored Girls was a rally for the black women of Seattle, who’ve been here all along and are ready for a damn close-up. 
I’m a Black Woman and I enjoyed the messages in the movie. They are true and are happening daily! I did however have a problem with the husband who played the guy on the down low. It is not often that a guy would completely spill his guts when confronted and then apologize even though it would be nice! I was extremely pleased that he showed Harper Hill’s character as supportive and loving, because there are Black men that fit that description. The bigger moment for me was how the movie showed all the women connected in the end, regardless of anything else! I don’t think it was meant to be a feel good movie. Life isn’t about feel good and happily ever after all the time. This was for real and we need to take it as that! I think it was to wake people up, so that women could bond and heal!
“Anti-racist” white people are now called “off-whites”?
You realize that most people in this country are “anti-racist”, right?
Seattle is so american. It’s all about blacks and whites, no multiculturalism at all.
So, what exactly was wrong with the movie?
So, let me get this straight; the movie was boring and offensive??
This is not a movie review. The only critiques of the movie are where Jen comes down on Perry’s “heavy-handed style” and his being “a male presenting a very female set of stories,” which is ironic coming from a white woman presenting some very black perspectives. Really, this piece just seems like Jen Graves telling Seattle “I have black friends! Honest!” Except it took her 500 words.
And “off-white?” What the fuck? You can’t just coin shit like that and then pretend that it has an accepted meaning.
I am a black woman and I was offended by the movie. Every sterotype and tragedy that could befall any “human being” was portrayed in this movie. I am ready for more films that celebrate the achievements and strength of black women. Tell a story that shows we are prosperous, overcomers, intelligent, modest, courteous, successful, good mothers, etc…My husband who is a black man was offended as well….When will black men be portrayed as anything other than gay, rapist, thugs, woman beaters, child abusers, and low lifes! Really….my people it is time for a change…we should set our expectations higher and stop being satisfied with stories of tragedy, bad decisions, and struggle.
Just take every stereotype about African-Americans and multiply it by 10, and you have another Tyler Perry movie!