iMissyRae 2.0: "I Can Do Bad All by Myself"

Spoiler alert! Don't read any further at your own risk!

Tyler Perry, who is well-known for his films about family ideals and African-American empowerment, has once again brought audiences everywhere another movie about the conflicts of a family struggling to stay together, and although the commercials practically reveal the plot of the film, the commercials themselves do not do the movie justice.

Yes, Perry still plays the routine role of Madea in this film, but instead of the usual marital problems that he incoorperates into his work, he focuses on the battles of a young nightclub singer named April, played by Taraji P. Henson, who is struggling to find love, security, and compassion for others.

As a result of a sexually abusive childhood, April struggles to trust men and anyone who comes close to finding out who the real April is. So she instead chooses to numb the pain through constant clubbing and drinking. Because of this partying lifestyle, Henson's character falls into an affair with a married man, who is played by Brian J. White, which is quite different for Perry's style since he tends to focus on the wife rather than the mistress. Above all, April practically plays the mascot of immaturity in the beginning of the movie and as a result of her selfish attitude and carpe diem outlook on life, she continuously has to choose between her happiness and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, across town, April's niece and two nephews fatefully find trouble and hope when they meet an old woman named Madea in a not so optimistic situation. Audiences soon observe a sleeping Madea being awakened by a crash downstairs. Those who have watched Perry's previous films will note that although Madea is portrayed as an old woman, her strength and attitude are that of a fighter -- she is always ready for an ambush. As Madea makes her way downstairs, she discovers sixteen year-old Jennifer, played by Hope Olaide Wilson, stealing (or at least trying to steal) a VCR player.

Of course Madea explodes and almost calls the police or in her words "calls da popo," but since Jennifer has her two little brothers with her (Manny and Byron), Madea allows them to stay the night and finds that there's more to these supposed criminals then she thinks.

It seems as though their grandmother hadn't been seen for four days, and being the kind woman she is, Madea practically forces April to let her niece and nephews stay with her until they eventually discover her mother's whereabouts.

Now, I definitely don't wanna spoil anymore details about the movie for you fellow blog-readers, but I will give my official Magnificent Missy Star Scale Score for this Tyler Perry original:

DRUM ROLLS PLEASE...

4 out of 5 stars


Yes, the movie was that good. The film kept the audience in tune with their emotions, proposed a complex plot that many could relate to, and allowed viewers to visualize their own happy ending. Although there were moments of exaggerated crying and screaming, the film conveyed a larger message that was more important then the dramatics. It showed viewers the importance of family and how religion and even a bit of spirituality can be beneficial for one's emotional growth. It also revealed a balanced opinion of views towards the subject of love and life.

Overall, I definitely recommend this movie. It made me laugh, cry, and smile -- all the things everyone needs every now and again..