To say that Peeples is a real treat would be an understatement. Tina Gordon Chism has written and directed a wonderfully funny and engaging movie.
Admittedly, the story line in Peeples is nothing new, there have been several movies devoted to exploring tricky and even tacky ways to meet or encounter the in-laws. The movie franchise “Meet the Parents” or movie titled after an African American colloquialism “Jumping the Broom” come into focus. However, unlike its predecessors, Peeples is really funny and refreshingly so.
Peeples is richly cast. Kerry Washington, Craig Robinson and David Alan Grier bring a fresh perspective to characters that otherwise could be boring and dull. Washington who continues to bask in her success found in ABC’s Scandal leaves that role on the small screen. Initially, I was concerned about seeing Washington in a comedic role while playing Craig Robinson’s love interest, Grace Peeples. But after a few moments into the film I understood Grace Peeples and appreciated Kerry Washington’s acting skills just a bit more.
Craig Robinson stars opposite Kerry Washington. Robinson owns the role of Wade Walker. One may even believe Robinson is playing himself more than playing Wade. Robinson had a good run in the NBC hit comedy “The Office” where he was a part of an ensemble cast, but in Peeples Robinson is the star. Robinson is responsible for all of the heavy comedic lifting throughout Peeples and he delivers.
Robinson who is a little bit thick in the weight department in the real world clearly uses it to his advantage. In Peeples, Robinson’s character Wade is no match professionally or personally for Grace Peeples, a talented tightly wound legal eagle with a rich family pedigree. Wade is this lumpy-slightly dumpy guy who works with children trying to keep them from wetting the bed. Wade tackles all of the obstacles associated with meeting potential in-laws with style, charm and grace under fire.
David Alan Grier anchors the family comedy as the self-absorbed self-made federal judge, Virgil Peeples. Like all potential father-in- laws, Grier’s character, Virgil, is leery of Wade Walker and his clear affection for his daughter, Grace. Virgil talks down to Wade, belittles his future son-in-law all while managing to cook up challenges that will surly expose Wades’ faults and failures. Grier is cast perfectly in this role. Virgil’s antics, busyness and personality really engage the others characters in the film. It’s delightful to see a veteran actor like Grier in a role that is supper funny, but yet still respectable. Grier who had great success in T.V.’s In Living Color really delivers wonderfully as Virgil Peeples.
There are several additional characters that assist in planting the comedy in Peeples. S. Epatha Merkerson stars as Daphne Peeples, the mother to Grace and wife of Judge Virgil Peeples. Merkerson, as an actress is best known for her commanding role in the long running television drama, “Law and Order.” In Peeples, Merkersons character is nothing like what we have seen from the veteran actress before. Daphne is loony! A one hit musical wonder from back in the day, if you will. Daphne, although crazy manage to be compassionate and the magnate that holds this upper crust Black educated and successful family together.
Tyler James Williams plays the youngest son in the Peeples clan, Simon Peeples. Williams gained fame in the Chris Rock television hit, “Everybody Hates Chris.” A few years older now, Williams was perfectly cast. Williams’ wit and charm help transform Simon into a likable troubled smart teenager who just happens to be funny.
Living legends Diahann Carroll and Melvin Van Peebles lend their individual style and grace to this film in the role as grandparents to Grace Peeples character.
The storyline in Peeples is nothing new or newsworthy, but the pure laughter and joy found during and after seeing Peeples will remain with you for more than just a little while.
By: Michael Reel
