The Family That Preys

Reviewed by:
Sabrina Bovell

Directed by: Tyler Perry

The Skinny: Wealthy Southern matriarch Charlotte (Kathy Bates) and her working-class friend Alice (Alfre Woodard) are caught up in major family drama: their respective children (Cole Hauser and Sanaa Lathan) are having an extramarital affair, Charlotte's power-hungry son is trying to steal the company away from her, Alice's daughter thinks that sleeping with the boss equals job security, and Charlotte herself is suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's. Greed, lies, and power struggles ensue as the families deal with the ramifications of their actions in this made-for-TV-ish family film.

The Good: Lathan's hot, as always, in her black power suit. Tyler Perry sporting a 'Fro is hilarious. But it's Bates who steals the show here as an aging Southern belle, and delivers the best line in the movie: "You are a woman scorned without a prenup. That is a recipe for living."

The Bad: There's so much going on here that it's difficult to tell the main plot from the subplots. And there's absolutely no chemistry between Hauser and Lathan, whose characters are supposed to be having a hot, passionate affair.

Sanaa Baracuda? Not even close. Lathan's not good at playing the ruthless bad girl; she does a better job when she sticks to the nice-girl roles.

Theater, DVD, or Pass on This One? Stay home and watch the game. Your girlfriend won't mind missing this one.