I Can Do Bad All By Myself
PG-13 for mature thematic material involving a sexual assault on a minor, violence, drug references and smoking
Tyler Perry has become one of our most prolific and successful filmmakers, kicking out a new film or two every year -- much to the delight of a devoted audience not surprised to hear very Christian-sounding messages resonating through his often melodramatic stories. His next number one box office hit is about a 16 year old and her two younger brothers who get caught stealing and end up on the doorstep of their nightclub singer aunt, a lady who is in no condition to take care of herself, let alone them.
The Story
With their grandmother missing, siblings Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson), Manny, and Byron are left to fend for themselves and get caught breaking into the home of Madea, played as always by Perry in drag as the tallest, smack-talkingest old lady ever. Madea drops the kids off at the home of their Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson), insisting she take charge of the wayward children.
April sings in nightclubs, drinks a lot, and sleeps with her live-in boyfriend who is married to someone else. Her life isn’t exactly together. And she can’t imagine that taking care of her late sister’s kids with their attitude problems and asthma is going to help. It gets worse when the local pastor asks April to give handyman Sandino (Adam Rodriguez) a place to stay in exchange for home repairs.
But that’s when grace comes in. Sandino takes an interest in the children, and April begins to think about someone other than herself. But there’s still a missing grandmother and April’s abusive boyfriend to deal with.
It’s another classic story of inner city woe punctuated with comic relief from Madea and her brother Joe (also played by Perry). Throw in supporting roles from musicians Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, and Marvin Winans, and you’ve got yourself a movie that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe dance a little.
The Verdict
What we thought of the movie on its own terms
What Works: It’s not hard to make a tear-jerking urban drama. But holding the story together isn’t always so easy. In this case, an otherwise dark movie is brightened up with the comic relief of Madea. The antics of Tyler Perry’s character are a little over the top, but they provide the needed dose of laughter.
What also works is hope. Blige, Knight, and Winans all contribute with gospel numbers that show church and friends giving needed doses of hope to an otherwise hopeless situation. Come on: You can’t go wrong with a full gospel choir.
What Doesn't Work: Plot by way of musical number doesn’t always work. On a handful of occasions the movie turns to song to express something and further the plot. Most of the songs are great, but this isn’t a musical. The plot starts to feel a little muddled when it relies too much on music and not enough on action.
That action can also get a bit predictable and melodramatic. We’re talking about an urban drama that relies on a gospel choir to help the main character make the right choice. You can’t get much more predictable or melodramatic than that.
In the end there’s a lot to like. The themes of hope and grace (and some wacky, off-base Bible stories from Madea) overcome whatever shortcomings the movie may have. And even if a musical ditty isn’t a great way to advance the plot, it’s still fun.
Content: Mature themes including child and sexual abuse are the biggest reason for the PG-13 rating, including a near rape and a tense stand-off involving electrocution. Profane language is kept to a minimum (though God’s name is used for swearing once or twice), and drug and alcohol abuse is portrayed in a mostly negative light.
Worldview
How the film's perspective compares to a biblical take on life
“We need to help each other” is the overriding theme of “Do Bad.” On our own we make poor choices and slip into self-destructive behavior. But together we can overcome. Together there is hope:
- Together, Jennifer and her brothers can take care of each other.
- Together, April can be the parent her niece and nephews need.
- Together ,April and Sandino can understand what true love is.
It’s a song as old as time, and it’s the basic challenge of the Christian faith: Stop worrying about yourself and focus on the needs of others.
Sounds a bit like Jesus when He commanded us to love our neighbors. (See Mark 12:31.) This movie’s outlook is nearly spot-on with the biblical take on hope and grace, including a moving presentation of the gospel delivered by a pastor during a church service.
In general “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” is dripping with biblical perspective, but it’s also packed with sinful characters. Maybe that sounds like your life.
Questions
- Are you a fan of Tyler Perry’s films? Do you look forward to his new one each year?
- What kind of attitude would you have if your parents were gone, you had no guardian, and you were forced to care for yourself and your younger siblings?
- Tyler Perry’s Madea character is often chastised for perpetuating a negative stereotype. What do you think?
- Do you have people like Santino in your life who always seem to be helping others?
- Do you know someone like Jennifer who has shouldered so much pain and needs a shoulder to cry on herself?
Comments
cindy jada on Nov 28, 2009 said...
Personally I wait to be asked questions and then answer them to the best of my ability.I show respect for the other person by not reacting in a negative manner if someone is trying to tear my faith down. I simply pray that God will open the door of communication with people and that He would equip me with the right time and the right words to say.Christian Music
Paul the Handyman on Feb 21, 2010 said...
Paul the Handyman
This movie’s outlook is nearly spot-on with the biblical take on hope and grace, including a moving presentation of the gospel delivered by a pastor during a church service.
living room furniture on Feb 24, 2010 said...
living room furniture
I show respect for the other person by not reacting in a negative manner if someone is trying to tear my faith down
yolanda pearson on Oct 15, 2009 said...
I love Tyler Perry’s movies.They are an inspiration to me right now.i’m in recovery from drugs and alchol,and I have learned from watching these movies that life isn’t as hard as it may seem.And that anything is possible.
Thank you Mr. Tyler Perry!!!
Sincerly,
Yolanda Pearson