''Meet the Browns'' is a 2008 American romantic

comedy-drama Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau ''dramedy'', is a genre of dramatic works that combines elements of comedy and drama. The modern, scripted-television examples tend to have more humorous bits than simple comic relief seen in a typical ...

film released by

Lionsgate Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation, doing business as Lionsgate, is a Canadian-American entertainment company. It was formed by Frank Giustra on July 10, 1997, domiciled in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and is currently headquartered ...

on March 21, 2008. The film was based on the play of the same name by

Tyler Perry Tyler Perry (born Emmitt Perry Jr., September 13, 1969) is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and playwright. He is the creator and performer of the Madea character, a tough elderly woman. Perry's films vary in style from orthodox filmma ...

and is the third film in the ''Madea'' cinematic universe. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry with Ruben Cannon helping with the writing, and starring Angela Bassett,

Rick Fox Rick may refer to: People *Rick (given name), a list of people with the given name *Alan Rick (born 1976), Brazilian politician, journalist, pastor and television personality *Johannes Rick (1869–1946), Austrian-born Brazilian priest and mycol ...

Margaret Avery Margaret Avery (born April 15, 1944) is an American actress and singer. She began her career appearing on stage and later had starring roles in films including '' Cool Breeze'' (1972), ''Which Way Is Up?'' (1977), ''Scott Joplin'' (1977), and ''T ...

Frankie Faison Frankie Russel Faison (born June 10, 1949) is an American actor known for his role as Deputy Commissioner, and, later, Commissioner, Ervin Burrell in the HBO series ''The Wire'', as Barney Matthews in the ''Hannibal Lecter'' franchise, and as Su ...

Jenifer Lewis Jenifer Jeanette Lewis (born January 25, 1957) is an American actress. She began her career appearing in Broadway musicals and worked as a back-up singer for Bette Midler before appearing in films ''Beaches'' (1988) and '' Sister Act'' (1992). Le ...

Lance Gross Lance Darnell Kwaku Gross (born July 8, 1981) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Calvin Payne on the TBS sitcom '' Tyler Perry's House of Payne'' and OWN sitcom '' Tyler Perry's The Paynes''., as well as appearing in other Ty ...

Sofía Vergara Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara (; born July 10, 1972) is a Colombian and American actress and model. She was the highest paid actress in American television from 2013 to 2020.

Lamman Rucker Lamman Rucker (born October 6, 1971) is an American actor. Rucker began his career on the daytime soap operas ''As the World Turns'' and ''All My Children'', before roles in ''The Temptations (miniseries), The Temptations'', Tyler Perry's films ...

Tamela Mann Tamela Jean Mann (née Johnson; born June 9, 1966) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and actress. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. She was a featured soloist on several tracks while wit ...

, Tyler Perry, and introducing David Mann as Leroy Brown. The film tells the story of a struggling single mother from Chicago who takes her children to Georgia to attend her long-lost father's funeral and meets the relatives she didn't know she had. The film was met with mixed reviews.

Plot

Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

, Brenda Brown-Davis is the struggling single mother of Mike Jr., Lena, and Tosha. She receives a letter telling her that the father she has never met has died and his funeral will be in Georgia. The same day, the plant where she works at with her friend Cheryl "relocates its business to Mexico", adding to her existing financial difficulties. Then Miss Mildred, who supervises Lena in her home daycare, says she will not work for Brenda anymore due to the fact that Brenda has not been paying her. A basketball scout named Harry notices Mike Jr. when he plays well at a game and comes to their house to talk about the boy's future. Harry asks Brenda out but she says has no interest in hearing about her son going professional and walks away. She begs Miss Mildred to watch Lena briefly and goes to see her ex with Cheryl for financial help to pay the woman back. Mike Sr., who has never given Brenda any assistance, says no and Brenda runs after Cheryl throws a brick at him. Brenda takes her children to Georgia to attend her father's funeral and meets half-siblings who did not know she existed and are led by Cora Simmons and Leroy Brown. She is surprised to run into Harry, who lives in the same town and is friendly with her father's family members LB, Sarah, Vera, and Will. Harry does partaking in a basketball game with Mike Jr. and Will. At dinner, Brenda learns that LB was the only one who knew about her when she shows the letter to Vera. On his deathbed, Pop confessed to LB that he had been a pimp in Chicago. Brenda's mother who was LB's mother and many of Pop's friends, the children had all known, were his working girls much to the shock of the rest of the Browns. The family welcomes Brenda, offering support and encouragement. After the funeral, they learn that Pop Brown left an old house to Brenda in his will. Brenda decides not to move into the house, despite Harry's suggestion that she should stay. Once Brenda is back in Chicago, Mike Sr. offers money in exchange for a one-night stand. After Brenda rejects him, Mike Jr. overhears Mike Sr. insulting her and storms out. In an attempt to make money to help, Mike Jr. turns to Calvin, a friend who deals drugs. Harry sees them together and suspects something is wrong. He counsels Mike Jr. and goes home with him, to explain the situation to Brenda, who threatens to kick Mike Jr. out if he starts dealing drugs. Mike Jr. realizes the risks involved in drug dealing would let his family down and promises that he will not do it. When Harry and Brenda leave for a date, Mike Jr. tells Calvin that he has changed his mind and returns the drugs. A group of rival drug dealers arrive and attack Calvin for selling on their turf. Michael is shot and wounded when he runs away at Calvin's urging. Cheryl informs Brenda about what happened. This leads to a further breakdown in Brenda's relationship with Mike Sr. After Mike Jr. recovers, Harry asks the Browns for help to get Pop Brown's run-down house for Brenda and her kids; they renovate the house and surprise her. Brenda overhears Vera talking to Sarah suggesting that Harry is only dating Brenda to get his "perks" from helping Mike Jr. Brenda overhears the conversation and confronts Harry. He asserts that he truly means well, but she breaks up with him. At the same time, Cora and Leroy watch the news of a high speed chase involving their relatives

Madea Mabel "Madea" Earlene Simmons (née Baker/Murphy) is a character created and portrayed by Tyler Perry. She is portrayed as a tough, street-smart elderly African-American woman. Madea is based on Perry's mother and his aunt. In Perry's own words ...

and Joe Simmons. As Madea is arrested and Joe flees, Leroy gives Cora money to bail her mother out. A basketball league representative visits Brenda and offers Mike Jr. a million-dollar contract; Brenda learns that Harry referred them, and that Harry didn't ask for any money. On the day Mike Jr. signs his contract, Mike Sr. arrives to be photographed with his ex and son, but Mike Jr. announces to the press that he does not know his father, and that his mother had raised him without support. After they leave, Mike Jr. tells his mother that Harry is a good man and more of a father figure than his actual father had been. Brenda goes to see Harry and they reconcile, ultimately leading to marriage. The Browns are seen attending Brenda and Harry's wedding.

Cast

* Angela Bassett as Brenda Brown, a struggling single mother. *

as Harry Belton, a basketball scout. * David Mann as Mr. Leroy Brown, the patriarch of the Brown family in Georgia and the brother of Larry and Vera. *

as Cora Simmons, the daughter of Leroy Brown. *

as Sarah Brown, the wife of Larry Brown. *

as Larry "L.B." Brown, the husband of Sarah, the half-brother of Brenda, and the oldest of Pop Brown's children. *

as Vera Brown, the sister of Larry and the half-sister of Brenda who is the self-proclaimed "baby of the family". *

as Michael Rhodes Jr., the son of Brenda who plays basketball. *

Sofía Vergara Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara (; born July 10, 1972) is a Colombian and American actress and model. She was the highest paid actress in American television from 2013 to 2020.

as Cheryl Barranquilla, a friend of Brenda. *

as Will Brown, the son of Vera Brown and the nephew of Leroy Brown who is an aspiring gynecologist. *

as: ** Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough old lady and the mother of Cora. ** Joe Simmons, the brother of Madea and uncle of Cora. * Phillip Van Lear as Michael Rhodes Sr., the biological father of Michael Rhodes Jr. * Kristopher Lofton as Calvin, a friend of Michael Rhodes Jr. who is a drug dealer. * Mariana Tolbert as Lena Rhodes, the daughter of Brenda. *

Chloe Bailey Chloe Elizabeth Bailey (born July 1, 1998), also known by her mononymous stage name Chlöe, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is best known for being one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister Halle Bailey. Tog ...

as Tosha Brown, the daughter of Brenda. * Brandon Richardson as Officer Thompson *

Irma P. Hall Irma Dolores Player Hall (born June 3, 1935) is an American actress who has appeared in films and television shows since the early 1970s. Hall often played matriarchal figures in films including '' A Family Thing'', '' The Ladykillers'' and ''Soul ...

as Miss Mildred, Brenda's neighbor who runs a daycare. *

LaVan Davis LaVan Davis is an American actor who played the character Curtis Payne on Tyler Perry's TV shows ''House of Payne'' and ''The Paynes'' TBS Network (2007–2012), OWN Network (2018) and BET Network (2020–present). Career Davis' acting career ...

as Henry, a

bus driver A bus driver, bus operator, or bus captain is a person who drives buses for a living. Description Bus drivers must have a special license above and beyond a regular driver's licence. Bus drivers typically drive their vehicles between bus st ...

Production

''Meet the Browns'' completed filming on October 26, 2007, after beginning on July 12 the same year.

Stageplay

The film is based on certain plot points of its namesake, while majority of the storyline comes from the 2006 play, ''

What's Done in the Dark ''What's Done in the Dark (Will Come to the Light)'' is an 2007 American stage play written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry. The show first opened in September 2006. The play focuses on two nurses, one of whom is a single mother and the othe ...

''.

Television series

'' Meet the Browns'' aired on TBS starring David Mann and

. The show's plot is different from the play and movie. Mr. Brown has opened up a senior citizens' home with the help of Cora, his nephew Will and his wife Sasha. Storylines involve the various zany residents of the home. The series, however, is a spin-off of the film, the stageplay and three episodes of ''

Tyler Perry's House of Payne ''House of Payne'' is an American sitcom television series created and produced by Tyler Perry that premiered in syndication on June 21, 2006. The series revolves around a multi-generational family living under one roof in Atlanta led by patriarc ...

'' where Mann guest-starred as Mr. Brown, who learns that his deceased father states in his will that he wants him to open a senior citizens' home. Brown enlists the help of the Paynes, Cora, and Will. The other characters from the play and film are neither mentioned nor seen. However, Brown's sister Vera made a guest appearance in the third season of the series.

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Review aggregator

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang ...

gives the film a 33% approval rating based on 58 reviews, with an

average rating In ordinary language, an average is a single number taken as representative of a list of numbers, usually the sum of the numbers divided by how many numbers are in the list (the arithmetic mean). For example, the average of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 7 ...

of 4.85/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "Angela Bassett's considerable charms can't compensate for ''Meet the Browns'' incessant melodrama and scattered narrative threads."

Metacritic Metacritic is a website that review aggregator, aggregates reviews of films, TV shows, music albums, video games and formerly, books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted arithmetic mean, weighted average). M ...

reported the film had an average score of 45 out of 100, based on 14 reviews. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.

Box office

In its opening weekend, the film grossed an estimated $20 million in 2,006 theaters in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

and

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

, ranking #2 at the box office behind ''

Horton Hears a Who! ''Horton Hears a Who!'' is a children's book written and illustrated by Theodor Seuss Geisel under the pen name Dr. Seuss. It was published in 1954 by Random House. This book tells the story of Horton the Elephant and his adventures saving Whovi ...

''. Although the film ranked second at the box office, it ranked first in average gross per theater, grossing $9,977 per theater compared to ''Horton''s $6,336 per theater. When the film ended its run at the box office, it had grossed $41,975,388 over its $20 million budget, making the film a success.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was released by Atlantic Records on March 18, 2008.

Track list

#People Everyday (Metamorphosis Mix) –

Musiq Soulchild Taalib Hassan Johnson (born September 16, 1977), better known by the stage name Musiq Soulchild or simply Musiq (pronounced "music") is an American singer and songwriter whose style blends R&B, funk, blues, jazz, and gospel influences fused w ...

feat. Estelle #Face To Face –

Coko Cheryl Elizabeth Gamble (formerly Clemons; born June 13, 1970), better known by her stage name Coko, is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of the R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV). Aside from her R&B career, Gamble ...

& Case #Sweeter –

Gerald Levert Gerald Edward Levert (July 13, 1966 – November 10, 2006) was an American singer-songwriter and producer. Levert was best known for singing with his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon of the vocal group LeVert. Levert was also a ...

#Dig This – Brandy #

I'll Take You There "I'll Take You There" is a song written by Al Bell (using his real name Alvertis Isbell), and originally performed by soul/gospel family band the Staple Singers. The Staple Singers version, produced by Bell, was released on Stax Records in Febru ...

–

Kelly Price Kelly Cherelle Price (born April 4, 1973) is an American R&B and gospel singer. She started her singing career in 1992. Price originally garnered attention by singing backing vocals for Mariah Carey on multiple songs, including her ''Billboar ...

#Love Again –

Kelly Rowland Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. During the gr ...

#This Gift –

Deborah Cox Deborah Cox (born July 13, 1974) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Born and raised in Toronto, she began performing on television commercials at age 12, and entered various talent shows in her teenage years before ...

Angel In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God. Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles inclu ...

– Chaka Khan #Alright –

Ledisi Ledisi Anibade Young (; born March 28, 1972), better known simply as Ledisi, is an American R&B and jazz recording artist, songwriter, music producer, author and actress. Her name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba. Ledisi AllMus ...

#Unify –

Wynter Gordon Diana Gordon, previously known by her stage name Wynter Gordon, is an American singer and songwriter. She began her career writing music for other artists, later signing with Atlantic Records where she started to work on her own album. Her deb ...

#My Love – Jill Scott #Hallelujah –

Blu-ray / DVD release

''Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns'' was sold in 1-disc and 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray on July 1, 2008. DVD sales have so far gathered $17,810,803 in revenue.

References

External links

* * * * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Meet The Browns (Film) 2008 films African-American films 2008 romantic comedy-drama films American films based on plays Films about dysfunctional families Films adapted into television shows Lionsgate films Films scored by Aaron Zigman Films set in Atlanta Films shot in Georgia (U.S. state) Films set in Chicago Films shot in Chicago Films with screenplays by Tyler Perry Films directed by Tyler Perry American romantic comedy-drama films 2000s English-language films 2000s American films