Low-rated ‘Diary’ No. 1 at box office

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” got its revenge against the critics by earning $22.7 million and taking first place at the weekend box office.

The film’s strong debut pushed Will Smith’s romantic comedy “Hitch” to the second spot with a weekend haul of $21 million, according to studio estimates. That pushed its three-week total to $122 million, making it the first film in 2005 to crack the $100 million mark.

“Constantine” was third with an estimated $11.8 million. The latest Wes Craven horror film, “Cursed,” debuted in fourth place with $9.6 million, while the weekend’s other new film, the action-comedy “Man of the House” starring Tommy Lee Jones, opened in fifth place with $9 million.

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” based on a script by Tyler Perry from his play of the same name, features him cross-dressed as a gun-toting grandmother and in two other supporting roles.

The comedy-drama follows Kimberly Elise’s character, Helen, who is kicked out of her house by her husband on their 18th wedding anniversary so his longtime mistress can move in. Helen recovers from heartbreak by reconnecting with her cantankerous grandmother Madea, played by Perry, and by relying on her faith.

The Associated Press gave the film a single star in its four-star rating system, and National Public Radio describing it as “half inspired and half really, really terrible.”

Perry, who has gained a strong following among blacks with his plays, should be given credit for the film’s success, said Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Films Releasing.

“The performance of the film is really a testament to Tyler Perry,” Ortenberg said. “He’s a cultural phenomenon that is taking America by storm.

“In the next few weeks, those unfamiliar with Tyler will become familiar with Tyler.”

“Every once in a while there is a film that comes out of nowhere and grabs the No. 1 spot, and certainly ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ has done that,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

“It shows the power that the urban audience wields at the box office.”