Category Archives: Spike Lee

Tyler Perry tells Spike Lee “Go Straight To Hell !”

Well, there goes my nap. This story is a few days old, but I decided to relaunch my Blog and this was the first story that came to mind. Thanks FB friends for your input, as this is something that is worth talking about.
For the full background, visit Huffington Post.
First of all, Tyler. I must admit, I have said some of the same things that Spike has said, but maybe with less venom. I too could probably do with a ‘little’ less something. The truth of the matter is, Tyler Perry has employed more Black Actors in a period of six years, then most studios employ over 2 decades ! The subject matter of Tyler Perry’s films are thought provoking, emotionally charged, and VERY spiritual. It seems that there is really one small factor that Spike and some other people seem to have a problem with. Madea ! The tough, raunchy, southern Black woman, who is in every body’s business, raises every body’s kids, and can cook ! Oh, yeah, that also happens to be Tyler Perry in a dress…OK, I get it. Now, let’s look back: Flip Wilson/Geraldine (Don’t fight the feelin’), Eddie Murphy/The Klumps, Richard Pryor-played multiple characters in Which Way is Up? But, I don’t think any were Female…I am making a point here: The point is, these are some of the greatest Actors and Comedians of our time and they were not afraid to push the envelope. Does Tyler go a little overboard with the joke, sure. Does he ‘degrade’ his race ? I honestly don’t think so. Obviously Tyler Perry’s movies are not for EVERYONE, but they are certainly for someone, because they gross $ 100 million at the Box Office !

Now, Spike. Amos ‘n Andy ? That may be a little extreme, considering that neither of them, went on to become the first Black person to own a major Film Studio. Not them, NOT OPRAH, and, oh, yeah, not you either, Mr. Lee. I also don’t know of another Black Filmmaker having MULTIPLE films gross over $ 100 million dollars. But, that is neither here, nor there. I have seen the majority of Spike Lee’s films. My personal favorites are ’Jungle Fever’ and ‘Malcom X’..Great filming ! There is no doubt that Spike Lee is a pioneer for ‘thinking outside of the box’, and taking risk to get your message out. I have always admired him for that. But, really…honestly, I think that maybe some people just don’t get him. You know, the sub-meanings in some of the films; poetic language that makes the film sound more like a ‘Spoken Word’ performance. It is deep ! And, I like Deep…But, really, sometimes, maybe a little too ‘deep.’

Now, as for this ‘feud’..There is really no equal playing field. Currently, Tyler Perry is the box office draw. Whether in front of the camera, behind it, or both, Brother got it going on. Twenty years ago, the name on every ones lips was Spike Lee. Well, things change.

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