Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)
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15% of critics liked it
(110 reviews) -
88% of users liked it
(88,104 ratings)
A woman has to learn how to love and trust men all over again in this comedy drama. Helen McCarter (Kimberly Elise) would seem to have it all -- she's been married for 18 years to Charles (Steve Harris), and over the course of their time together, he's become one of Atlanta's most… More A woman has to learn how to love and trust men all over again in this comedy drama. Helen McCarter (Kimberly Elise) would seem to have it all -- she's been married for 18 years to Charles (Steve Harris), and over the course of their time together, he's become one of Atlanta's most successful attorneys. But despite wealth and prestige, things are not as they should be at the McCarter home, and on their anniversary, Charles drops a bombshell on Helen -- he's divorcing her for another woman. Escorted out of the house with nowhere to go, Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea (Tyler Perry), a sassy woman with no shortage of opinions and a gun that she's not afraid to use. As Madea helps Helen get back on her feet emotionally, the divorcée makes the acquaintance of Orlando (Shemar Moore), a handsome man who is obviously attracted to her. But after her experiences with Charles, Helen isn't sure if she's ready to trust a man again. Diary of a Mad Black Woman was adapted from the popular stage play by Tyler Perry, who also plays several roles in the film, most prominently Madea; it marked the first feature-film credit for successful music video director Darren R. Grant. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Darren Grant
- Written By
- Tyler Perry
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- Feb 25, 2005 Wide
- Studio
- Lions Gate Films
Critic Reviews
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Peter Howell, Toronto Star
It's never less than watchable, a bizarre hybrid that somehow works as a whole, even though its various components don't mesh.
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Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
It's a cheap melodrama that presses all the right sentimental buttons.
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Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Perry doesn't have any delusions of artistry, and potentially, at least, that's refreshing. But any points he earns for lack of pretense are immediately gobbled up by his lack of subtlety.
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Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
Raucous and overwrought, the movie is still a hoot to watch and even more fun to talk back to.
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Tom Keogh, Seattle Times
The material comes off as a serious miscalculation in Perry and director Darren Grant's film adaptation.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Kimberly Elise
as Helen
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Steve Harris
as Charles McCarter
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Shemar Moore
as Orlando
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Tamara Taylor
as Debrah
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Lisa Marcos
as Brenda
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Tiffany Evans
as Tiffany
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Cicely Tyson
as Myrtle
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Tyler Perry
as Brian, Joe, Madea
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Brian Andrews
as Drums
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Wilbur Fitzgerald
as Judge
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Carole Mitchell-Leon
as Mildred
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Ric Reitz
as D.A.
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Joe Washington
as Reporter
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L. Warren Young
as Judge
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Richard Lee Reed
as Bailiff
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Gary Sturgis
as Jamison
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E. Roger Mitchell
as Kalvin
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Vickie Eng
as Christina
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Cedric Pendleton
as Max
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Tamala J. Mann
as Cora
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Lauren Leah Mitchell
as Doctor
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Bart Hansard
as Guard
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Philip Gough
as Guitar
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Crystal Porter
as Woman
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Yvette Devereaux
as Violin Solos
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Terrell Carter
as Reverend Carter
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Avery Knight
as BJ
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Chandra Currelley-Young
as Chandra
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Sho Dixon
as Child
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Judge Mablean Ephriam
as Judge Ephriam
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Tony Vaughn
as Juror
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Kate Donadio
as Secretary
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Ryan Gentles
as Bartender
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Ronnie Garrett
as Band Member
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Earl Fleming
as Band Member #3
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Christian Keyes
as Man Proposing
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Darrell Freeman
as Bass
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Pat Bergeson
as Guitar
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John Forbes
as Keyboards
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Marcus Williams
as Band Member #2
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Mike Pniewski
as Foreman
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Michael Pniewski
as Foreman
- Curtis Blake
- Marva King
- Ty London
- Tamela J. Mann
- Regina McCrary
- Cordell Moore
- Tunja Robinson



