( 4UMF NEWS ) Good Deeds Review:
Tyler Perry has consistently stuck to the same formula of a jaded woman (sometimes a single mother, sometimes not) down on her luck who has given up on love until her Prince Charming comes riding along on a white horse. In the case of Good Deeds, it’s Prince Charming riding up on a Harley. Good Deeds, written and directed by Perry, stars Thandie Newton, Brian White, Gabrielle Union and Phylicia Rashad.
Perry stars as successful straight-laced business owner Wesley Deeds, who has inherited his late father’s San Francisco software empire. He’s the good son engaged to Gabrielle Union’s character. Bad son Walter (Brian White) is a hard-partying alcoholic who feels he’s been unfairly passed over for corporate glory. Phylicia Rashad plays the role of the mother with ice in her veins.
Life is predictable for Wesley until Lindsey (played by the beautiful Thandie Newton) comes along and makes waves in his normally dull and boring life. Lindsey, a single mom whose husband died while serving in Iraq, works as a janitor at Wesley’s company. Evicted from her apartment and broke because her wages were garnished by the IRS, Lindsey and her daughter (played by the adorable Jordann Thompson) wind up sleeping in her car.
Wesley decides to help Lindsey and her daughter and in the process she helps him find himself and true happiness. And love.
What a surprise.
Playing the love interest for the first time, Perry comes off as dry and aloof throughout much of the film. The best way Perry knows how to show any emotion or reaction is to take the glasses off of his face a la David Caruso/CSI Miami style. There is a natural chemistry between Perry and Newton that is sweet and touching at times.
Watching Newton is always a treat. She is as beautiful as she is a great actress and played the struggling mother with ease. Kudos to White for playing the villain, a role he excels at every time. Rashad, one of the greatest and underrated actresses of our time, was under utilized in the film.
The one bright spot in Good Deeds where Perry genuinely surprised me was the tussle in the elevator. I didn’t know Perry had it in him.
If you’ve been a Tyler Perry fan, then this movie is right up your alley. However, if you’re like me, tired of the same old story line and would like to see more growth as a writer from Perry, then save your ten dollars.
