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Family secrets bubble to the surface when a closeted gay man (Rockmond Dunbar) returns home to see his mother (Loretta Devine) and learns a secret that brings him face to face with the traditional southern family he hasn't seen in over 10 years.
Mr. Jamal's direction ranges from clumsy to competent. Fortunately, even as Mr. Jamal's characters hit notes reminiscent of a half-baked television pilot, they disclose eccentricities that his cast spins into comic gold.
December 07, 2007
Black Star News
Even though homophobia may be more of a hurdle in the 'hood than Hollywood, this ensemble's supportive response to Sheldon's revealing his sexual preference proves to be a surprisingly sweet way to close out this well-meaning message movie.
Jamal's comedy of family dysfunction is essentially a sitcom episode writ large; it's not subtle, but it's good-natured and hits its marks with ruthless efficiency.
The film's plea for tolerance is commendable but would have more weight if only it were executed with more panache.
December 04, 2007
Film Journal International
By far the best of a plethora of holiday family-reunion films, Maurice Jamal's warmly hilarious Dirty Laundry is particularly blessed with the presence of Loretta Devine
Overwritten and under-directed by Maurice Jamal, the movie contains several honest moments but remains too awash in clichà (C)s and stereotypes to take seriously.
Is it sidesplitting? No, but it's cute. Is it wonderfully wicked? No, but it's got a few twists and turns. Is it a classic? Probably not, but it's an encouraging move into a new kind of gay film and a story not often told.