 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
- Review Date: June 14, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Same old Madea jokes served up in yet another morality tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
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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AGE
My favorite Tyler Perry movie
This was sooooo much better than the last Madea movie! There was a lot more Madea in it and the drama plot in it was actally good. But part of the plot revolves around a prostitute so be prepared to hear and see some sexual dialoge. There was also a scene where MAdea's husband was smoking pot which i was a little suprised to see in a PG-13 movie. There is also some comic violence in the film but none of it is graphic and Madea isnt really all that good of a role model. But there is a good message at the end about taking responsibilty for your own actions. It's a good but mature for a PG-13 rating.
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AGE
Perfect for kids older 12, but not for tweens and some teens
The things you need to know is the fact that every Tyler Perry movie is Christian and all have positive themes. With that said, your kids must be mature enough to handle this. While I realize some parents wont let their kids see this because of the prostitution, which makes sense at a certain age, i think that I could watch this at 13. I have seen other Tyler Perry Movies. It depends on YOUR kids and how mature they are and if they can handle it.
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AGE
"This was a fun movie about lawyers and troubled women"
There might be a few scenes starring one female character named, "Madea"
But don't worry, these moments are rare and usually forgotten. Its a powerful movie that tries to keep it light hearted with some scenes of humor. the majority of the swears in this are swears that some kids hear everyday.
Its all about the family that is watching.
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AGE
dissapointed not appropriate for tweens. my niece was really looking forward to watching this. sometimes approve pg 13 movies for her. she is 11 years old. will be going into 6th grade next year. not funny at all really for her. message was too serious, grown up.
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AGE
Great Film !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought that the movie was the best tyler perry movie yet.The movie had a great message and all madea movies have a important message that someday we all need to learn.
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AGE
ok for tweens better for teens
just the part with the guy on top of Candy besides that great movie!
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AGE
A funny film with postive messages
This is the first tyler perry madea film I have watched and I thought this movie was funny!! Tyler Perry comes out with a bang with directing and playing Mabel Simmons AKA (MADEA)
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AGE
Two different stories...
I think this is a pretty hard movie to review… since its basically two very different stories. One is very funny about Madea actually going to jail but the other is about a prostitute who has some very scary experiences. It depends on your kid and how sensitive they are.
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| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Tyler Perry |
| Cast: | Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tyler Perry |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 103 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 20, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | June 16, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic material, drug content, some violence and sexual situations |
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