Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010)

I had doubts about watching the prequel to this movie to begin with ("Why Did I Get Married?"). It's rating upon this site is quite low, and the opinions of my peers were not very positive either. However, after viewing and being very moved by Perry's "For Colored Girls", I wanted to sample more of his artistry anyhow. Though I was apprehensive of the first movie, I did not find it to be so terrible after I saw it.

The characters introduced can sometimes come off as overly abrasive, loud, and at other times, so meager, and pitiful, that sympathy is difficult to conjure for them. Upon watching their stories further, and seeing the plights of the individuals and their relationships, the drama and madness behind all their actions become understood and somewhat justifiable, although they can at times be outlandish. As such, I chose to view their plots an exaggerated portrayal of the adversities within a marriage, rather than an exact one.

I was curious to see how the characters' lives continued after that terrible vacation in Colorado. Sadly, I killed the entire "Why did I Get Married?" enterprise for myself. In my opinion, the sequel "Why Did I Get Married Too?" very much trivialized it's predecessor. When at one point I thought that the scripts were very much related to love, loss, and moving forward, this movie has conveyed nothing to it's viewers either than; If you have low self esteem or a husband who drowns his pain and neglect with alcohol, a new man is all you need make it all better. This theme was very romantic and well deserved in the first instalment, but pressed a very negative button for me in this one, as it was both unromantic and, in my opinion, undeserving. Plus, I can't take Dwayne Johnson's face seriously. Maybe that's what ruined everything. When I see him I just think bad movies and even worse wrestling. Not to mention, he didn't really "fit" the scene. He looked awkward. I don't know how else to put it, folks. Just awkward. At any other point, I would suggest viewing it for oneself, but I'm trying to help you, so I won't.

Initially, this movie left me looking at the screen with a quizzical expression, wondering if any of these characters had learnt ANYTHING at all from the psychological studies, exercises, and scream-match trips they take annually. Upon realizing the answer was "no", I then began to feel like I, in turn, wasted my own time, having watched movies in the hopes that they would. Of course, utter peace and harmony does not a good movie make, but the extent of their drama and angst says that a lesson ought to be learnt by at least one of them BEFORE the end of the movie. Oddly enough, the only one who I thought really did so, was the only character that was single throughout the whole movie! Maybe there's a point to be made with that... But still, there was no satisfactory ending to this. However, that is by no means a reason to continue this story any further. I knew I should have stopped when I saw Angela's pink flask.

Fmovies: The Mrs (her choice of movies) & I walked out after 20 minutes or so & was allowed into another movie. I am not an actor but my gosh that was some really shallow acting. The setting was nice but very little action, elementary dialogue was rampant & too many close up's of actors faces. I thought the actors had recently memorized their lines & repeated them without any emotion or passion. The movies plot was weak & the photography and cameras set ups were below par. My suggestion #1, do not waste your money.Suggestion #2, Tyler Perry is living off the positive movies of the past & should get back to producing a more thoughtful & deeper movie content.

The first installment in this series was decent enough to spark my interest in checking out the sequel. Unfortunately, Why Did I Get Married Too was a sub-par attempt to reprise Perry's previous venture in couples therapy. There were a few redeemable aspects of the movie, namely, some of the characters have been further developed. The new aspects of their relationship dynamics made it interesting to see how their lives have changed. Also appreciated are the moments of bare sincerity in the dialogue. There are a few scenes where a husband and wife could be seen having a believable, vulnerable discussion about the impact of individual choices on their relationship without the bravado of over-the-top displays.

Sadly, any redeemable parts of this film were heavily flanked in overwrought dramatic scenes in an effort to create meaningful turning points, and mostly uncomfortable attempts at humor. It's as if Perry thought that hearty laughter from the characters in the more comedic scenes would somehow make the scene funnier; the mission was not accomplished. Also, Perry decided to have the movie be more dependent on Janet Jackson's character as the center pin of the plot, which is an unfortunate shift because she simply doesn't have the skills to deliver. While she is more highly emotive throughout this film, she isn't believable. It just left you feeling uncomfortable watching it happen. To make matters worst, the scene transitions felt abrupt, like you were being yanked by the collar from one end of a room to another.

On a more pitiful note, there were several lines and scenes that were way too close to those from the movies Boomerang, Soul Food, and Unfaithful. It's one thing to have a trite storyline; it's a whole other issue when scenes are taken from other movies and executed so similarly to the original that the forerunner immediately comes to the viewer's mind. This kind of poorly-done mimicry leaves you feeling duped by and embarrassed for the person attempting it. The worst part was the ending, which felt rushed and forced. Perry is certainly invested in happy endings, but this was insulting to the characters and the viewers.

Overall, the only reason I continued to watch the movie was not because it was in any way worth it, but because I have a sometimes silly desire to finish what I've started. I hope that Perry soon decides to employ screenwriters to broaden the scope of what seems to be a one-man show and production because movie scriptwriting requires a level of skill that he has not yet polished.