Siskel and Ebert on Madea Movies: Would They Have Approved?

When discussing the popular television series and film series featuring Madea, the late film critics Ebert and Siskel would not have shared the same sentiment as their modern fans. Both Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel would have found the franchise deeply unappealing and disconcerting, given their views on societal issues and humor.

Disagreement with Cultural Representation

One of the core reasons behind Siskel and Ebert’s probable disdain for the Madea franchise lies in their perspective on cultural representation. In an interview, one individual suggested that the movie cliché of the fat, loud, and obnoxious black woman is not humorous but rather insulting to black women. Similarly, the portrayal of a man the size of an NFL lineman in drag as being obnoxious, albeit less explicitly offensive, would likely have raised concerns in their capacity as professional film critics.

Skepticism towards Humor and Entertainment Value

Both Ebert and Siskel were known for their discerning tastes in entertainment, often critiquing films on multiple levels, including the humor. The common thread throughout their careers was their commitment to comprehensive analysis, as opposed to merely enjoying the content for what it was. Therefore, they would most likely have questioned why Tyler Perry, a prolific and controversial filmmaker, could successfully finance and produce such content.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman: A Case Study

One of the most discussed and critically scrutinized Madea films is "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," a film that received a particularly polarizing reception from many critics, including Roger Ebert, who awarded it 1/4 stars. Given this, it is fair to assume that Ebert and Siskel would have taken a similarly harsh stance on the broader Madea series.

Conclusion: The Cultural Impact of Madea Films

In summary, the works of Tyler Perry and the franchise featuring Madea would not have found favor with Ebert and Siskel. Their critical voices would have emphasized the importance of respectful and nuanced cultural representation, rather than the perpetuation of offensive and stereotypical humor. These perspectives would align with their own critiques of films for displaying poor taste and failing to contribute meaningfully to cultural discourse.

The legacy of Siskel and Ebert lies in their unwavering commitment to film analysis and entertainment criticism. Their views on the Madea movies reflect a broader discussion about the impact of popular culture on society and the importance of responsible representation in media.

Keywords: Siskel and Ebert, Madea movies, Tyler Perry