Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black debuted on Amazon Prime Video last Thursday and has since received mixed reviews.
The film is a hit with viewers and sits in the number one spot on Prime Video’s top U.S. movies list, highlighting its potential, but film critics are far from impressed.
Reviewers panned the thriller, giving it a rare and disastrous zero percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related: Tyler Perry Shot ‘A Fall From Grace’ in 5 Days, Movie Critics Say ‘It Shows’
While in West Hollywood on Wednesday, July 17, a TMZ reporter ran into Cory Hardrict, who has a leading role in the film.
The actor, who stars opposite Meagan Good in Divorce in the Black, made it clear he respects film critics, however, fans and regular moviegoers have the final say.
“I didn’t see that,” Hardrict shared about the low rating. “But, I mean, the people love the movie. And we do it for the people. That’s who I do it for. If the culture rockin’ with it, it’s all love.”
He then gave a shoutout to Perry, before adding, “The critics…everyone has an opinion and they’re entitled to it. So it’s fine. But as long as the people see it… then I’m happy.”
Of the 11 reviews listed on Rotten Tomatoes, common points reveal that although the actors’ performances are good, the pacing, direction, and tone of Divorce in the Black leave much to be desired.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t find some moments of entertainment,” Elliot Collins of Movie Files wrote about the new movie, continuing, “Perry’s direction and tone is all over the place but putting my criticism aside, compared to some of his recent movies, this is Way more tamed and somewhat narratively competent.”
The Guardian’s Andrew Lawrence shared, “It’s easily [Tyler Perry’s] worst film to date.”
Screen Rant’s Mary Kassel wrote about the film, “With inconsistent pacing and tonal shifts that make the audience question the story’s purpose, Divorce in the Black doesn’t stand out.”
Highlighting Good’s overall performance, Barry Levitt discussed Divorce in the Black for the Daily Beast, saying, “Meagan Good has been great for a long time, and while she can’t save Divorce, her performance is a reminder that she’s more than worthy of leading roles.”
“Cory Hardrict (Dallas) is the only reason you should watch Divorce in the Black. When he’s not around, the film becomes a generic Lifetime movie,” shared Korey Coleman from Double Toasted.
While critics aren’t on the movie’s side, Divorce in the Black currently holds a 73 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film centers on unhappy couple Ava and Dallas, who are on the brink of divorce. When Ava tries to move on with another man, things take a turn for the worse as Dallas grows increasingly violent and spiteful.
And if you’re thinking this sounds a lot like Perry’s past projects, you’re not alone.
Some viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their gripes with the film, slamming Perry’s writing and directing.
“I just watched the opening scene of Divorce in the Black, and yeah….Tyler Perry may be running out of storylines,” one user wrote in a post.
“Divorce in the Black was so terrible, which we should already know was going to be because Tyler movies are just the same now,” another shared. “I blocked out and only watched the 40 minutes that was left.”
Despite those harsh assessments. Hardrict praised Perry as a director and said he wants tonwork with the filmmaker again.
“He takes care of his actors. It’s a loving set, and we’re gonna do it again,” the actor said.
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It’s a thriller? Hmm…I heard on a radio station about the 0 rating. I’m not sure how they come up with their numbers but I wouldn’t doubt it for a second.