Number One With A Bullet

Warning: I would like to state, for the record, that I am a fan of Tyler Perry. I follow his work closely and for this reason may have a bias towards the movies he produces. However, I will say that I have not enjoyed every film that he has created. Daddy’s Little Girls was a lacklustor attempt to be more serious, to show a flair for the dramatic. Though I believe he is capable of creating more than his Madea laced comedies, this wasn’t one I hurriedly added to my DVD collection.

Based on one of his screenplays, Madea Goes to Jail, is Tyler Perry’s newest film, a comedic skeleton draped in a blanket of real life. It is a mixture of laugh-out-loud humour and thought provoking sensitivity, and is a fine balance between parody and drama.

In this latest film from Perry, Mable “Madea” Simmons (played by Perry himself) has finally been captured by “the popo”. The gun toting grandmother with an attitude has been taken down after trying to outrun the authority in a high speed chase.

As the story opens we get a glimpse into Madea’s criminal record, a rap sheet that shows how she has been in and out of trouble all of her life. Narrowly escaping jail time due to an error in processing, Madea resumes her usual behavior, causing trouble for herself and everyone around her.

Though it is common sense that Madea will eventually end up in prison, it is awhile before we see her behind bars. This gives the viewers plenty of time to experience Madea in all of her glory.

Seeing her open fire at Uncle Joe’s house party or bantering back and forth with Dr. Phil on why she isn’t angry reminds us of why Perry is a master at creating memorable and likeable characters.

While Madea is awaiting her inevitable jail time, we see another story unfold in the wings. In between her illegal antics Perry introduces the viewers to Joshua Hardaway (Derek Luke), a young lawyer who grew up in the projects.

While Hardaway seems to have it all, a great career and a successful fiancé, his world is shaken when an old friend from his past walks back into his life. Candace “Candy” Washington (Keshia Knight Pulliam), who once had strong connection with the young lawyer, ends up in court under Hardaway’s legal care. Though he quickly turns down the case, stating conflict of interest, his heart goes out to his old friend.

Realizing life has gone terribly wrong for Candy, Hardaway is desperate to help the streetwalker turn everything around. Though he is doing right by helping a friend in need, backlash from his high profile fiancee Linda Holmes (Ion Overman) ensues. While she tries to mask her jealousy by saying that Hardaway shouldn’t feel guilty for making a better life for himself, it is evident that she is repulsed by the thought and sight of a prostitute interrupting her “squeaky clean” life.

Madea Goes to Jail, though funny and endearing, challenges the viewer to think about sacrifice. Each character, in their own way, sacrifices something for the good of another person or for the betterment of their own life.

While the comedy is a bit over the top and a tad unrealistic (the whole reason why we love Madea), the dramatic side of the film does make the viewer pause and reflect on how sacrifice, whether it be compassionate or selfishly drive.

Though many may say that Perry will never win an Oscar, or be terrifically recognized for his film making ability, there is excellence somewhere in his talent.

With two hit shows (House of Payne and Meet The Browns) and a new studio to tend to, it is hard to ignore the success Perry has been awarded. Still, many critics claim that he has leaned on his Madea crutch one too many times. While Perry’s spiritually based messages may be too overt for some, they are the foundation for each of his creations, and Madea is an obvious crowd pleaser.

While Madea Goes to Jail was a great attempt at telling an important tale, I believe we haven’t seen the full capacity of what Perry can do.