Daddy’s Little Girls

Year: 2007

Grade: B+

Country: USA

Director: Perry

Review

tyler perry’s latest effort follows in the frank capra school of filmmaking. he takes a john doe and personalizes his struggle in what could be perceived as a weepy or cheesy manner, but it ultimately works because of the execution. let me get this clear up front: perry isn’t frank capra and this film isn’t mr. deeds goes to town or mr. smith goes to washington. of course, capra was around longer when he made those and he had the efforts of greats like james stewart and gary cooper. but while this film doesn’t reach the heights of capra, it does tell a good, human story and it does so with some entertainment and humanity. some of the acting could have been better and i would have liked a fuller, more colorful (as in more entertaining or well-rounded) cast. one thing that makes capra films (as well as anthony mann films) so good is the cast of secondary characters who act as foils to the protagonist, as well as offer comic relief.

this film works because of the work perry does early in the film to establish some comedy and intrigue. just a couple touches here and there can be the difference between an engaged and invested audience and one that is checking their watches.

Watched in theater