Madea Goes to Jail

This film was pure trash, but still I enjoyed it. Sometimes I like films that are silly and serve no real purpose. They let me escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Madea Goes to Jail is a mix of comedy, a bit of drama and a healthy dose of romance. Watching director Tyler Perry made up as the buxom Madea, with all her tough talk, zany antics and at times even soft hearted mannerisms, make this film actually believable. I can well imagine an older street-wise woman getting herself into trouble with a justice system she doesn’t trust and winding up in jail. It’s what she does once there that makes this film so entertaining. The fact that she wound up in jail over a simple parking dispute is somehow very believable given the society in which we live today.

Of course, the film is overall a comedy and should be taken as such. The interactions Madea has with the law and with her fellow jail mates are what makes this film enjoyable. How she takes former prostitute Candice under her wing in jail provides for some of the most touching moments in the film.

I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of some real-life celebrities, from Dr. Phil to court-television’s Judge Mathis, as they provide an even greater degree of believability to this somewhat tall tale.

This is a perfect film to watch on a rainy night when there’s nothing much going on and you could use a few good laughs.