Tyler Perry’s The 6 Triple 8 was supposed to be a tribute to the incredible legacy of Black women who held it down during World War II, but instead, it feels like a missed opportunity to truly honor their story with the depth and respect it deserves.
First off, the premise is powerful—an all-Black female battalion sorting out millions of pieces of mail to keep morale high for soldiers? That’s real history right there, and it’s a story that’s been swept under the rug for far too long. But here’s the issue: when you take a narrative this important and dress it up with weak dialogue, predictable tropes, and a Lifetime-movie aesthetic, it feels like you’re playing with the culture.
The execution? Let’s just say Perry is stepping way out of his lane here. We’re talking about a filmmaker who built his empire on over-the-top comedy and melodrama, trying to pivot into historical drama without putting in the work to elevate his craft. The result is a film that looks and feels cheap—artificial backdrops, uninspired cinematography, and performances that don’t quite hit the mark (with the exception of Kerry Washington, who seems to be carrying this thing on her back).
Now, let’s talk about tone. Mixing light-hearted moments with a story this heavy? Nah, that’s not it. You can’t be out here trying to balance humor with the seriousness of war and systemic racism without a masterful touch, and Perry just doesn’t have it. The film ends up feeling uneven, like it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Are we laughing? Crying? Reflecting? Who knows!
The script is another weak spot. It’s formulaic, and the characters are resolving conflicts in ways that feel way too easy. These women were brilliant, resilient, and resourceful, yet the film doesn’t seem to know how to convey that authentically. Instead, we get cliché-ridden storytelling that undermines their accomplishments.
And don’t get me started on the production quality. When you’re telling a story about Black excellence, you can’t come through with visuals that look like they belong on a basic cable drama. That’s a disservice to the narrative and the audience. Even the use of real historical footage at the end, while touching, feels like a reminder of what the film could have been if handled with more care.
Here’s the bottom line: The 6 Triple 8 had all the ingredients to be a game-changer, a film that not only educated but inspired. Instead, it feels like another example of how our stories can be mishandled when they’re not given the respect, budget, and talent they deserve. Tyler Perry has the platform to amplify Black history, but if you’re going to tell our stories, you need to bring your A-game—and this? This wasn’t it.
Let’s hope the next filmmaker who tackles this incredible chapter of history does it justice, because these women and their legacy deserve nothing less than excellence.
Eιɖεર Dરε
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