Review of Madea Goes to Jail (2009) by Jeff B — 01 Jun 2011

It is not that the appeal of Tyler Perry completely evades this reviewer. The Christian values and well-meaning morals manifest themselves quite plainly, thank you. It is the fact that for two hours, said reviewer could not wrap his head around the concept that this nearly 7-foot mediocre actor was supposed to look like a cantankerous old woman and not a giant man in drag?never mind buying the performance. Surely, his prolific output is partly to blame for this humorless exercise (constantly producing plays on top of movies on top of television doubtlessly equals quantity over quality)?partly. The truth is, Perry?s problems go beyond weak acting and writing?specifically, everything between the opening and closing credits.

In this PG-13-rated dramedy, the anger management issues of an overbearing Southern mother (Perry) lands her in the clink, while the loved ones rallying behind her learn the value of ? wait for it - family. In another storyline, a prostitute (Pulliam) comes back into the life of the public defender (Derek Luke) assigned to her and Madea?s case.

With a ready-made audience, Perry spoons out more of the same schlock from the previous Madea outings (Madea?s Family Reunion, Meet the Browns). This pistol-packing former stripper is outrageous?-okay, the audience gets it?they are all just waiting for the laughs. Even TV staples Dr. Phil and Judge Mathis struggle to wring humor out of a script in dire need of redrafting. Worse, some actors actually look into the camera while the principals, Pulliam and Luke, look lost without some strong direction.

Bottom line: Lock it up and throw away the key.