On this edition of the FAN’s number 7 movie review article, Direct to DVD Dissection brings you a jam packed cast of characters in the review of “Dysfunctonal Friends”.
Released April 3rd, 2012
The Story:
A group of college friends have grown distant from each other, until the death of a mutual friends brings them together at his funeral. During the reading of the will, it’s revealed that he left behind millions to be paid to each of his friends. There is one condition, as all of the friends must stay at his big mansion and reconnect with each other in order to get it. If one of them leaves, no one gets anything. As various lives clash and things come a head, will they make it all the way with their friendships still intact?
The Cast:
Stacey Dash as Lisa, one of the friends who has some issues over her relationship and a guy who could change it. Dash has worked in several movies, from the Clueless movie & TV series to recent shows like The Game & Single Ladies.
Jason Weaver as Brett, a rookie director who’s found himself in the seedier part of Hollywood. Known for various roles, like young Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons: An American dream”, along with being on “Smart Guy” as Marcus Henderson, along with feature films like The Ladykillers & Lottery Ticket.
Tatyana Ali as Alex, wife of an advertiser with a rocky relationship. Best known as Ashley banks on the Fresah Prince of Bel-Air, Ali has done work on TV, with The Young and the Restless, as well as her singing career after her Bel-Air stint ended.
Meagan Good as Ms. Stevens, the proprietor of the recently deceased and very wealthy friends. Her first major role was in the old Nick series Cousin Skeeter, and has gone to various films like D.E.B.S, Stomp the Yard, Saw V, and Think Like a Man.
The Dissection:
Since the arrival of Tyler Perry on the theatrical stage, there’s been a sudden boom of movies aimed at African American audiences . The movies of Tyler Perry featuring Madea and her family, branching out to theatrical movies, TV shows and DVD releases. It eventually lead to different people trying something different, as recent as last week’s “Think Like a Man” topping the box office.
Brett (Wesley Jonathan) And Alex (Tatyana Ali)
In this case, we have Dysfunctional Friends, The first thing to mention is that the cast is not only huge, but there are also a nice selection of “names” on the cast, even if they are only in it for a few minutes. Aside from the four as mentioned above, the cast is full of establish actors, some newer faces, and some in-betweeners.
Moving on to the movie itself, it starts off with an interesting premise. It brings together a a group of friends, each with their own issues and unresolved feelings for one another. Each of the friends has their own problems that they face before they arrive at the funeral. Most are dealing with issues over their career, with others over relationships. Then, with the friends being pushed into the house and having to confront one another, it all comes to a head and serves as the bulk of the movie. through the several days these people live together, they have their own ups and downs and several moments of drama. The drama in this movie works well, and it works well to keep with the story and tell the story, rather than get wrapped up in the seriousness of the situation. Plus, the cast helps to give soem weight to the dialog.
Lisa (Stacy Dash) and Jackson(Terrell Owens)
On the negative side of things, the comedy aspect of the movie is a bit hit or miss at times. Some jokes work in the scenes, and some others feel forced. It also depends on some of the cast and what roles they are given. Also, some of the story elements seem to go from beinga funny scene to a bit too goofy. The biggest issue with this movie, though, seems minor at first, but it does change the movie. The soundtrack of the movie features a lot of music with lyrics and people rapping. Usually, it’s not a big deal, but a movie like this usually features some instrumental music to even things out. Here, it’s focused more on the former music. Plus, it is less in the background and more on the foreground during transitions.
On the DVD itself, there are some additions, like a trailer and some deleted scenes. There’s also a music video, of a song called “Same Rules” by Keith Robinson. There’s also some trailers included during start-up:
Russ Parr’s 35 & Ticking
He’s Mine, Not yours
I Ain’t Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac
David E Talbert’s What Goes Around Comes Around
The Verdict:
The negative aspects aren’t as prevalent as the main core of this movie, and the movie is carried by the talent involved and the interesting story as well gives a reason to check this movie out, either from Redbox or digital.
Rent Dysfunctional Friends on Redbox:
http://www.redbox.com/movies/dysfunctional-friends
View it on Amazon Instant:
http://www.amazon.com/Dysfunctional-Friends/dp/B007QYGNJA