GC Movie Review - Madea Goes to Jail

Written by Rhonda Ridley

Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic material, drug content, some violence and sexual situations
Genre: Comedy
Theatrical Release: Feb 20, 2009
Starring: Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Ronreaco Lee, Ion Overman, Vanessa Ferlito, Viola Davis, Sofia Vergara
Director: Tyler Perry
Screenwriter: Tyler Perry
Producer: Reuben Cannon
Composer: Aaron Zigman
Studio: Lions Gate Films

Synopsis: Tyler Perry dons Madea's floral dress--and prison garb--in this comedy that finds the wisecracking woman behind bars. Fans who saw Perry's last film, MEET THE BROWNS, won't be surprised that this is Madea's destination since she spent that film on the lam.

Well, America, it finally happened! Madea has been hauled off to jail. Her antics have quickly and intentionally gotten worse with each movie and the price must be paid. A high speed chase resembling the Queen Latifah scene in “Set it Off” (minus the shooting, of course) has landed Madea back in front of Judge Mablean Ephraim. Unfortunately the charges do not stick. Judge Ephraim, in an attempt to teach Mable “Madea” Simmons a lesson, sentences her to anger management with none other than, Dr. Phil. In true Madea form, she can’t help but give him a difficult time and she soon returns to her old ways.

As fate would have it, another misguided bout with anger lands Madea in front of Judge Greg Mathis and he simply refuses to let her go; he sentences her to 5-10 years in jail. The familiar character that is “Madea” becomes the perimeter of this new Tyler Perry dramedy. As usual, she is funny, irate, reactionary, ready to shoot folk and loving. Meanwhile, at the center you find a serious and dramatic story. Both are needed to balance the flow of the tale.

It is while in court that we meet high-spirited and ambitious Assistant District Attorney, Joshua Hardaway (Derek Luke) who’s just been tossed a case defending Candace Washington (Keisha Knight Pulliam) , a young prostitute and drug addict. A conflict of interest forces Joshua to pass the case on to his feisty and manipulative Fiancé, ADA Linda Holmes (Ion Overman) , after which, Candace is sentenced to 17 years for a minor charge.