Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Same old Madea jokes served up in yet another morality tale.

parents & educators say

27% say sexual content is an issue
27% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, like all of Tyler Perry's Madea films, this comedy alternates between comedy (the parts featuring the Madea character) and drama (a subplot featuring a prostitute). Violence is both comic (Madea resists arrest) and disturbing (a pimp abuses young prostitutes), and there are several sexual references -- to prostitution, prison romance, and more. Although the consumerism isn't too overt, there are many scenes of cigarette and marijuana smoke, as well as drinking. Language includes "hell," "damn," and the like.

Positive messages: Although the movie's overall messages of forgiveness and taking responsibility for your own actions are positive, there's a lot of questionable behavior in the film.

Positive role models: Madea is vengeful to the point of craziness, and characters lie, cheat, and betray one another.

Violence: Some of the violence is cartoonish, like when Madea shoves police officers and resists arrest, or when she knocks out a burly woman in prison. But some of the other violence is disturbing, like when young prostitutes are physically abused by a pimp. Discussion of rape.

Sex: Three of the main characters are current or former prostitutes, and several "women of the night" are shown on the street picking up tricks. In one scene, a prostitute is shown in bed (bare shoulders and legs) with a man in underwear sleeping on top of her. There are also discussions about life as a prostitute. Two couples kiss and embrace, while several characters flirt -- in the case of Joe and his bawdy elderly friends, pretty raunchily. A masculine woman prisoner comes on to a fellow prisoner.

Language: Language includes "bastard," "damn," "pimp," "hell," "oh my God," "titty," and the like.

Consumerism: Featured brands include Apple/Mac, Coca-Cola, Schweppes Ginger Ale, and Big K-Mart.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Joe smokes marijuana on a few occasions -- as a joint and also using a bong. At a party of mostly seniors, most attendees drink beer and other cocktails. Several characters smoke cigarettes, and there are many conversations about drug addiction and rehab.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the movie's message of forgiveness and personal responsibility. Does that come through amid all of the broad humor?
How is Madea represented? Does she have redeeming characteristics, or is she just a caricature? Do you think Madea is right that parents shouldn't be blamed for their children's failures?
Why do you think Tyler Perry is so popular? Have you seen his other movies? What do they have in common? Who are they targeted at, and why do they appeal to that audience? Do you like him better as his character Madea or as a "regular" actor? Why?

What's the story?

TYLER PERRY'S MADEA GOES TO JAIL brings back the writer-director-producer's popular character Mabel "Madea" Simmons (Perry), the no-nonsense (i.e. crazy) old Atlantan grandmother you do not want to cross. After being wronged in a K-Mart parking lot, Madea -- who utters her famous catchphrase "I ain't afraid of the popo" -- wrecks a rude woman's sports car and ends up in prison. Meanwhile, assistant district attorney Josh (Derek Luke) is dealing with conflicting priorities. He should be planning his fairy-tale wedding to wealthy fiancee Lisa (Ion Overman), but when his estranged childhood friend, Candy (Keshia Knight Pulliam), is arrested for prostitution, he makes it his mission to save her from her destructive lifestyle.

Is it any good?

Madea fans are a loyal bunch, and they're unlikely to be disappointed with the latest installment in Perry's franchise. Madea continues to "get" those who "got" her and gives lip to everyone from her poor, put-upon daughter to her raunchy brother Joe (also Perry) to Dr. Phil and Judge Mathis.

But those unfamiliar with Perry's films won't be converted into fans by this broad, heavy-handed comedy. The morality-play subplot is particularly ridiculous. Although Luke is a fine actor and does his best as a well-meaning, generous man, Knight Pulliam (best known as little Rudy from The Cosby Show) isn't at all believable as a streetwalker. Supporting actresses Viola Davis and Vanessa Ferlito are both good as, respectively, a minister who dedicates herself to getting women off the street and a prostitute who looks out for Candy. But the Candy-Josh-Lisa love triangle is so predictable that the outcome loses its emotional punch.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Tyler Perry
Cast: Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tyler Perry
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: February 20, 2009
DVD release: June 16, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: mature thematic material, drug content, some violence and sexual situations

Watch our review

This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen

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What parents & educators say

Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:

27% say sexual content is an issue
27% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

ebzallday16
teen, 16 years old

A good movie to people who know and love Madea and Tyler Perry

Madea goes to jail was one of tyler perry's best movies it had a good storyline and tought a good lesson... as always Madea conduct is iffy for kids but thats just her.

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Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Watch our review

Review It

Review Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

A good movie to people who know and love Madea and Tyler Perry

"This was a fun movie about lawyers and troubled women"

ok for tweens better for teens

Perfect for kids older 12, but not for tweens and some teens

My favorite Tyler Perry movie

Two different stories...

A funny film with postive messages

Great Film !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madea Goes to Jail review by critic2

Madea Goes to Jail review by critic07

great for kids 12 and up

Good

Interesting...

Fun movie for family night!

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