While popular action thrillers such as “Rebel Ridge” and “Edge of Tomorrow” dominate this week's Netflix Top 10, a film from nearly 20 years ago is somehow mixed in with this list - and it is incredibly mixed in its ratings

Currently in seventh place is Diary of a Mad Black Woman (as of September 10) It is a romantic comedy-drama about a woman facing betrayal and divorce from her unfaithful husband With the support of her grandmother, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment

Critics have mixed opinions about the film, but audiences have rallied around it, giving it much higher scores on Rotten Tomatoes and defending its appeal It probably won't be #1 on the streaming service, but it could slowly move up the rankings as more people pay attention to it But is it worth watching?

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” is directed by Darren Grant and written by Tyler Perry It is a romantic drama-comedy about Helen McCarter (Kimberly Ellis), a devoted wife who wants a divorce after discovering that her husband Charles (Steve Harris) is having an affair

Suddenly evicted from her home, Helen embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing with the help of her grandmother Madea (played by Tyler Perry himself) and other powerful and supportive family members Madea is the no-nonsense, wise and outspoken matriarch who provides both comic relief and sage advice throughout the film

Viewers' opinions on Diary of a Mad Black Woman seem to vary widely Critics gave the film a low score of 16%, while audiences gave it a high rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes Much of the criticism stems from an imbalance between over-the-top humor and comedy, romance, and serious drama

Amy Biancoli of the Houston Chronicle says: “The film itself is maddening, moving from comedy to clichéd melodrama (and torture!) to an astonishingly fast transition where the viewer doesn't know whether to laugh or not"

However, some critics did enjoy this romantic comedy Ruthe Stein of the San Francisco Chronicle said the film is “raucous and raunchy, but still entertaining to watch”

And then there are the audience reviews Some say they “liked everything,” while others say it “doesn't deserve a single star The most common criticism of the film is that it tells a very interesting, but still “surprisingly intriguing story”

Judging from the various critical and audience reviews, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” is made for a very particular type of humorist Director Darren Grant knew that the film had melodramatic elements, making it perfect for those seeking an entertaining film that is not afraid to get silly at times

With mixed reviews and mixed critical response, Diary of a Mad Black Woman remains an interesting choice However, if you like romantic comedies with humor and emotional depth, this film may resonate with you It is especially worth a look for those who appreciate Tyler Perry's unique storytelling and Madea's charismatic presence

Not convinced at all? Check out this action movie on Prime Video before it leaves the streamer; see also our guide to the best Netflix movies of 2024

Stream “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” on Netflix