Tyler Perry is trading in the flowered dresses for custom cut suits, but he’ll still be packing heat–and a little sex appeal. Perry stars as Detective Alex Cross in the new James Patterson film that hits theaters on Friday.
Actors and entertainers including Cicely Tyson, Keke Palmer and Brian White came out to support Perry on Monday at the Los Angeles premier of the movie held at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome. This is the first role in which Perry stars in a movie that he didn’t write, produce or direct himself and his first role as a tough guy in an action-thriller. Perry is probably best known for his role as Madea, the no-holds-barred, pendulum-breasted, pistol-packing senior who can tongue lash a viper.
The stakes are high, as not only is this a breakout role for Perry, but it is the first film from one of best-selling author Patterson’s best selling series. Six Cross books have been published to date with a seventh scheduled for release in early 2013.
“I told James Patterson very early on that if I thought that I couldn’t do it, I would have turned down the role when it was offered to me,” Perry said in a message to his fans on his website tylerperry.com. I didn’t want to let him down, the Alex Cross fans down, or let you down. Now, with all that said, I just want you to go to the movies and see for yourself.”
Perry was a physical fit for Patterson’s popular character who is described as being six foot three, 200 pounds, and athletic (uhhmm, yum). And like Perry’s humble beginnings–including a period where he was homeless–Cross worked as a migrant worker for a year.
“Alex Cross is a thrill ride from beginning to end. With movies, a lot of times the trailer is better than the movie. Not in this case. Alex Cross delivers on so many levels.”
Palmer agrees. After the premier she tweeted: “Just left the Alex Cross premiere! Literally had me jumping out of my seat. I love a good thriller! Check it out.”
