As far as the Hollywood Machine is concerned, Madea's Family Reunion had several strikes against it:
Over the years, studios have been reluctant to release films a.) with all-black casts b.) with female leads and c.) starring relative unknowns. Add in the fact that film critics nation-wide virtually ignored the film and most Hollywood insiders would predict a sure-fire flop.
(Boris Kodjoe and Lisa Arrindell Anderson)
Not the case with Tyler Perry's ridiculously successful Madea franchise. The film, which cost an estimated $6 million dollars to make, grossed over five times that amount this weekend, raking in a box office total of $30.25 million dollars.
Like it's predecessor, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion is a varied blend of a film; it mixes tough subject matters like domestic violence and child abuse, with soap-opera romance and Christian values. But where it really shines is with the character of Madea, herself, and her raucus brand of comedy.
(Blair Underwood and Rochelle Aytes)
Madea features solid performances from new faces, Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Rochelle Aytes and Keke Palmer as well as veterans Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Cicely Tyson and Jennifer Lewis.
Tyler Perry is expected to release another Madea film next year with Lionsgate Films.
Joining Diahann is 
Strong performances by Carroll, Jones and the cast of children is one reason to check out this classic film; another is the soulful soundtrack by 
