Craig Robinson and Kerry Washington headline the trailer for Peeples, the first decent looking movie with Tyler Perry’s name on it

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

I have tried watching a few Tyler Perry movies and have not enjoyed a single one. It is not a question of relating to the subject matter but rather the fact that they are not very good movies. I will give Perry credit for being doing everything himself and making a ton of money doing it, but at least when Robert Rodriguez does it, his movies turn out good.

This latest movie to feature Tyler Perry‘s name above the credits is actually not a directorial effort. Perry serves simply as producer on the movie written and directed by Tina Chism. PEEPLES also features S. Epatha Merkerson and David Allan Grier in a twist on the MEET THE PARENTS formula. Having the gorgeous Kerry Washington in the lead with Craig Robinson in the Ben Stiller role, PEEPLES actually looks like it may be a good time at the movies.

Plot: Sparks fly when Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) crashes the preppy Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s (Kerry Washington) hand in marriage. Wade might be a fish-out-of-water among this seemingly perfect East Coast clan, but he’s not about to let himself flounder. Instead, in a wild weekend of fun, dysfunction and hilarious surprises, Wade is about to discover there’s room for all kinds of Peeples in this family, no matter their differences. Writer and first-time director Tina Gordon Chism (writer of DRUMLINE) joins forces with Tyler Perry to present a laugh-out-loud look at the family ties that freak us out . . . but bind us together with love.

Robinson has been due for a starring role. The man has made his presence known in everything from THE OFFICE to HOT TUB TIME MACHINE and PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. I am glad to see him take center stage in a studio movie.

PEEPLES opens May 10th, 2013.