Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Madea franchise is getting so tired it's scary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Boo! A Madea Halloween
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mix of humor and inappropriate content, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. While some found it entertaining and suitable for teens, others expressed concern over its heavy use of profanity, sexual references, and themes that are not appropriate for a younger audience.
- humor mixed with inappropriateness
- varying age suitability
- strong language issues
- sexual content concerns
- divided opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's Halloween, and 17-year-old Tiffany (Diamond White) is determined to go to a raucous frat party with her friends. Her dad, Brian (Tyler Perry), is just as determined that she not go anywhere near the place. So he calls in Madea (also Perry) to stay the night and help keep an eye on Tiffany. But when she disappears, and the house is invaded by ghosts and ghouls, it's up to Madea to save the day in BOO! A MADEA HALLOWEEN -- if she can manage not to get too spooked herself.
Is It Any Good?
This inert installment in the Madea franchise is proof that Perry may have just hit a wall -- or is phoning it in. Though past Madea films have garnered decidedly mixed reviews, they were often still laced with enough can't-help-but-laugh jokes to keep fans returning for yet another dose of Madea's tough-love "wisdom."
But Boo! A Madea Halloween has very few zingers that actually land and enough cliches -- "bro" frat boys, insolent teenagers, college kids with no clue -- to fill a whole series of movies. And the supposedly "scary funny" parts are neither scary nor funny. Which isn't to say that Boo! doesn't have a few small charms: The main character herself is still as spunky and winning as ever. Too bad she doesn't have much to work with here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Madea movies are so popular. What's the character's appeal? How does Boo! A Madea Halloween compare to previous movies?
One of the characters really likes to smoke pot. Do you think the film glamorizes her habit?
How does the film deal with parenting and communication? What do you think about Brian's relationship with Tiffany? Does she respect him? What kind of parenting advice does Madea give Brian, and how does it differ from his own ideas of raising children?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 21, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : January 31, 2017
- Cast : Tyler Perry , Bella Thorne
- Director : Tyler Perry
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Pansexual Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays , Fantasy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug use and references, suggestive content, language, some horror images and thematic material
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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