Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys

2008 PG-13 1h 51m DVD

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys

2008 PG-13 1h 51m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
Tyler Perry writes, directs and co-stars in this poignant dramedy centered on a pair of friends -- wealthy socialite Charlotte (Kathy Bates) and working-class Alice (Alfre Woodard) -- whose families stand to be ripped apart by greed and scandal. To prevent the collapse and save their families, the two mothers take a road trip in a vintage turquoise convertible that carries them both beyond their wildest expectations.
Cast
Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Taraji P. Henson, Cole Hauser, Rockmond Dunbar, KaDee Strickland, Tyler Perry, Robin Givens, Kaira Whitehead
Director
Tyler Perry
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen 1.78:1
Subtitles
English, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
Yes
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 14+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 14+
age 14+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that, like most Tyler Perry movies, this dramedy focuses on mature themes surrounding race, class, marriage, and family. It's considerably less joke-filled than his previous work, and there's very little strong language ("bastard" is the harshest word, and it's only said once). There are two violent scenes, but only one is notably disturbing -- a husband strikes his wife. There are several allusions to an extramarital affair, but only one scene in which the couple embraces/kisses. Otherwise, the sexuality is limited to a few kisses between married couples. Most of the commercialism involves the fancy cars that some of the characters drive.

Sexual Content

Couples embrace and kiss, including a man and a woman who are having an affair. The affair is discussed by various characters.

Violence

A husband strikes his wife in the face after she insults him and admits to having an affair; he later grabs the other man and holds his body over a ledge. A character purposely overdoses (off screen) on prescription medication.

Language

Fairly mild; language includes "bastard," "piss," and "colored woman" (said jokingly by an African-American woman).

Social Behavior

The film's messages are clear: Stay loyal to your friends, don't disrespect your family, don't cheat because it always ends badly, and don't give up your dreams. An interracial relationship is depicted negatively, but that's because it's extramarital.

Consumerism

Featured brands include Mercedes, Porsche, Coke, and Dasani water. The song "I Hope You Dance" is prominently mentioned in the film, instead of just being on the soundtrack. Oprah Winfrey's roadtrip with her friend Gayle is Charlotte and Alice's inspiration.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters say "I need a drink" or "get me to a bar" a few times; wedding guests drink cocktails; Charlotte gets drunk doing tequila shots and orders mixed drinks on the road trip.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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