Why Did I Get Married?

Based on his stage play, filmmaker Tyler Perry's latest offers a diverting look at contemporary marriage, taking place mostly during an annual retreat with four married couples who are also longtime friends. Perry plays personable pediatrician Terry, married to workaholic lawyer Diane (Sharon Leal). Tasha Smith (in the film's most outrageous role) is accomplished but abrasive businesswoman Angela, who never misses an opportunity to belittle her ex-footballer spouse Marcus (Michael Jai White). Janet Jackson blandly and unconvincingly plays self-help guru Patricia, an award-winning author whose marriage to architect Gavin (Malik Yoba) still suffers from her inability to cope with the trauma of the death of their only child. The only really dysfunctional couple, however, is philandering and hurtful Mike (Richard T. Jones) and passive Sheila (Jill Scott), who initially chooses to overlook evidence that her hubby is having an affair. There's a lot of talk, much of it facile psychoanalysis, but Perry keeps things moving and elicits sincere performances. The various conflicts are resolved a tad too easily, but aside from that, Why Did I Get Married? is a reasonably well-crafted, often engaging film. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a nine minute featurette on “The Music” (9 min.), “Janet Jackson: Return of an Icon” on costar Jackson (7 min.), a “Reflections on Getting Married” cast featurette (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: an unremarkable extras package for a decent relationship drama.] (E. Hulse)