Idris Elba calls out Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence

By The Film Critic
JR Staff Writer

The black film industry has been on the decline for well over ten years. During the late 1980s, Spike Lee led a revolution in the film industry. Many black filmmakers followed in Lee's footsteps, making classic movies. Along the way, several comedy films were made, too.

It seems as if the 1990s were the peak of black America, in many ways. All of the hard work during the Civil Rights Movement and in the 1970s led up to the 1990s. But, when it was time to pass the baton into the 21st Century, it seems as if the black community missed the boat.

Four years ago, Idris Elba broke into the spotlight with his supporting role on American Gangster. Sharing scenes with the legendary Denzel Washington led many people to crown Elba as the second coming. In the time since American Gangster, Idris Elba has had starring roles in quite a few movies, including one opposite Beyonce in Obsessed.

But, the primary black filmmakers have been Tyler Perry and a few other names. Perry is known for jumping into his blue dress to portray Madea. Martin Lawrence has starred in several comedy films, throughout the late 1990s and throughout the 2000s, and has dressed up as women. Lawrence recently launched his own film company and he is currently promoting his Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son movie. The film is expected to be a seller, along with the Perry films, but not everyone is impressed.

Idris Elba recently spoke out against the Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence films. Elba said it is time for both filmmakers to grow up. He said the Tyler Perry movies and the upcoming Big Mommas film are "buffoonish" and he is not impressed. Elba feels it is time for Tyler Perry, especially, to expand the type of films he creates in order to elevate the art. While his words came off a little harsh, Idris Elba was only offering a form of constructive criticism.