Review of Madea Goes to Jail (2009) by Xou X — 03 Aug 2009

Madea is back.

This movie is based off the play of the same name in which I have only seen glimpes of. The only other Tyler Perry work I saw was the sitcom "House of Payne". So his work was rather still new to me. Watching Madea for the first time in screen was something special. She was funny and brought a tough persona to women.

The movie follows Madea(Tyler Perry) who has gone in one to many troubles. Finally Judge Mathis puts her behind bars for five years. In the meantime another story occurs. Assistant district attorney Joshua(Derek Luke) finds an old friend Candy(Keshia Knight Pulliam) in trouble with the law for prostitution. Anxious to help her out, he drives himself away from his fiance while coping with his past. Candy is then caught and put in jail as well. Its up to Madea to lighten up Candy and the girls but most importantly, to get out of jail.

Madea is a fun character to watch but everybody else were blocking the view. I think this is why the film doesnt work. It doesnt focus on Madea as much as it was intended to. More on the prostitutes and crooked attorneys then the ever charming Madea. WHICH WAS THE TITLE OF THE MOVIE. There were some nicely written parts and some laugh out scenes. I in particular enjoyed the anger mangement course the most. Madea and Dr.Phil layed it out and the "got" conversation is among the funniest.

Other then some odd chemistry and predictable moments, this film can be enjoyable. Madea is great as ever but the lack of prison time in the film made this "Candy gets in trouble then Madea goes to Jail". It doesnt lack interest and the comedic effect along with melodrama makes this more then passable.

Madea is both charming and funny enough to cover every hole this movie has.

2.5/4.