Why Did I Get Married? DVD

DVD Review by Kam Williams

Headline: Tyler Perry Marital Ensemble Drama Arrives on DVD

Every year, four affluent married couples take a break from their hectic schedules to share a weeklong vacation together. Best friends since college, their annual getaway this go-round is to a luxurious lodge nestled in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. But none of them could anticipate just how eventful a reunion is about to unfold, one with shocking skeletons coming out of the closet at every turn to reveal a quartet of failing relationships acutely in crisis.
Providing the flashpoint for the sordid festivities are Mike (Richard T. Jones) and Sheila (Jill Scott ), the only couple with obvious issues. At the point of departure, we observe him cruelly abusing her by boarding a commercial flight with his mistress (Denise Boutte) while his wife’s being escorted off the plane for being too heavy. This means that he and Trina show up at the soiree way ahead of his spouse who has to drive herself to the tiny town of Pemberton, Colorado through a swirling snowstorm.
This development does not sit well with the other wives, especially outspoken Angela (Tasha Smith) who not only feels loyal to Sheila but also a bit threatened. And Angela doesn’t need any additional drama, as her handsome hubby, Marcus (Michael Jai White) has a case of VD he might have gotten from his ex.
“Can these marriages be saved?” is the recurring theme raised by this alternately enlightening and entertaining adaptation of the Tyler Perry stage play. Perry again exhibits his unique ability to create African-American characters with considerable depth who relate to each other in a realistic manner likely to resonate with black audiences thirsty for credible, sophisticated fare, even if his one-dimensional portrayal of whites and gays still leave a lot to be desired.
The Best Man meets The Big Chill, only with more flava.

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for profanity, sexual references and mature themes.
Running time: 118 minutes
Studio: Lions Gate Home Entertainment