
Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Seen it?2005 | 117 min | Drama, Romance, Comedy
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 9 times its budget, but just 15% on Rotten Tomatoes held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The War of the Roses or Manhattan, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
Charles, an attorney, and Helen, his devoted wife, seem to have everything – money, a beautiful mansion – the American Dream. However, as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes an unexpected twist when she comes home to find her clothes packed up in a U-Haul van parked in the driveway. Charles is divorcing her and kicks her out. Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea, an old woman who doesn't take any lip from anyone. Madea helps Helen through these tough times by showing her what is really important in life. Helen is forced to rediscover love, life, and religion in her pursuit for happiness.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsWeak
15% on Rotten Tomatoes, 36 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$51 million worldwide on a $6 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 268K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
Madea's Family ReunionWeeknight WatchA sequel to Diary of a Mad Black Woman: a legal romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The War of the RosesSaturday SpecialAnother legal dramedy, and a Saturday Special.
ManhattanFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
Brief EncounterFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Revolutionary RoadSaturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Darren Grant
- Kimberly EliseHelen McCarter
- Steve HarrisCharles McCarter
- Tyler PerryMadea / Brian / Joe
- Shemar MooreOrlando
- Lisa MarcosBrenda
- Tamara TaylorDebrah
- Cicely TysonMyrtle
- Terrell CarterReverend Carter
- Carol Mitchell-LeonMildred
- Avery KnightBJ