'Divorce in the Black' by Tyler Perry gets an amazing 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Though its positive audience reviews and strong lead performances, Tyler Perry's latest film, "Divorce In The Black," has earned a rare and unexpected 0% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. With this negative score, Perry's directing career reaches a new low; "Divorce in the Black" is the worst-rated film he has ever made.
Starring Meagan Good as Ava and Cory Hardrict as Dallas, the movie chronicles the turbulent trip a couple on facing the difficulties of a failing marriage. Although "Divorce In The Black" boasts a rather good Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 62%, the critical reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.
The Difference in Audience Reception from Critical Reception
For Tyler Perry's films, this discrepancy in audience reception and critic response is not wholly unusual. His work frequently shows a gulf between audience appreciation and critical praise. For example, his 2009 hit "Madea Goes to Jail" scored a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, quite different from its meager 29% critic rating. Although this trend is not new, "Divorce in the Black" sadly sets a new standard for poor critical reception in Perry's filmography.
Examining "Divorce in the Black's Negative Reviews: Deeper Look
"Divorce in the Black" has mainly drawn criticism for not living up to expectations. Many point out as main flaws inconsistent pace and tonal changes, which leaves viewers wondering about the general goal of the movie. "With inconsistent pacing and tonal shifts that make the audience question the purpose of the story," Mary Kassel of Screen Rant says, " Divorce in the Black doesn't stand out."
Critics have also pointed out the impression that the story feels hurried and unfinished, which leads to a sloppy and badly produced final product, so adding to the negative reception of the movie. Top Rotten Tomatoes critic Andrew Lawrence notes, "Divorce, though, was more paint-by- numbers schlock from a guy who may well have been rushing to get this project finished between his umpteen other film and TV projects." He also faults the film for lacking depth and polish. Writing, Brandon Avery of Just My Opinion Reviews notes, " Tyler Perry wrote the rough draft, did not proofread, then went for it with no editing."
The Small Review Sample Size
Notably, "Divorce in the Black" has only 11 total reviews published thus right now, thus it is not very popular. This little sample size should not be discounted; it is a major consideration while reading the 0% Rotten Tomatoes score of the film. The score would rise to 8% if even one favorable review were included, so emphasizing the effect of a small sample size.
But given the movie's recent premiere on Amazon Prime Video, reviews could flood the site and change the critic and audience ratings. Still, the strong language critics use to characterize the movie points to a great discontent with its execution.
Why Does Audience Reception differ?
The Rotten Tomatoes audience score contrasts sharply with the critical reception. Many viewers have given "Divorce in the Black" 4 and 5-star ratings; some of them find the low critical score confusing. Often praising Meagan Good's and Cory Hardrict's lead performances, the positive audience reviews imply they might be the strongest feature of the production.
Although the terrible Rotten Tomatoes rating of "Divorce in the Black" might rise with time, right now it is Tyler Perry's lowest-rated movie in his career. The story of the movie centers on young bank professional Ava, who is heartbroken when her husband Dallas deserts her. Ava tries to save their marriage, but she finds Dallas's dishonesty, which not only souring their relationship but also keeps her from being with her actual soul mate.
Notwithstanding the mixed reaction the movie received, it is evidence of Tyler Perry's constant presence in the entertainment business and his great output. It reminds us that artistic interpretations are personal and occasionally audience and critic viewpoints of a movie might differ greatly.
