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Madea's Big Happy Family Review

Movies.com Critics

3.5

Dave White Profile

They're not happy, but you'll be. Read full review

3.0

Grae Drake Profile

Won't win converts, but it's Perry's best yet. Read full review

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

Predictable but occasionally funny comedy has adult themes.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this Tyler Perry dramedy is very similar to its predecessors, with lots of family dysfunction and some fairly adult themes amid the jokes -- including questions about paternity, drug abuse, and drug dealing, marital woes, and references to rape. There’s a fair amount of swearing, though no F-bombs, and one character loves to smoke weed. Nevertheless, there are also a lot of discussions about faith, forgiveness, and the importance of family.

  • Families can talk about the movie's messages about family. What does family mean to you? What faults can you accept among family members? Which are harder to go along with?
  • What is the film saying about the role of faith in helping people face hardships?
  • Does the movie reinforce or undermine any stereotypes?

The good stuff
  • message true2

    Messages: Although family relationships can be messy, hurtful, and dysfunctional, the movie makes the point that love and faith can see families through the worst circumstances.

  • rolemodels true1

    Role models: The matriarch at the heart of this dysfunctional family is pious and kind-hearted to a fault; she lets her own kids disrespect her even when she’s at the most difficult junction of her life. Her patience is amazing, as is her willingness to accept her children for who they are. On the down side, many women are portrayed as shrewish, and some characters place a lot of value on owning nice things and having lots of money to purchase them.

What to watch for
  • violence false2

    Violence: Men joke about shutting up their wives; a woman disciplines everyone, even kids, with insults and slaps. The same character rams her car into a fast food restaurant and pelts a worker with food. A brief discussion about how an uncle raped his niece. Lots of yelling.

  • sex false1

    Sex: A retiree attempts to fondle a doctor in an examination room. Much discussion about baby mamas and their attempts to figure out the father of their children. A few innuendoes.

  • language false2

    Language: One "s--t," plus “damn,” “ho,” “hell,” "ass," “jackass,” "oh my God," and a number of bleeped-out words during one scene meant to take place on a TV show.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Mention of Mercedes Benz.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: One character smokes weed like a chimney; another character reluctantly sells drugs.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.436
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

Met My High Expectations by wehavethreeboys
Nice to see a funny movie with a good serving of good ole common sense and feel-good-moments too. We love the Tyler Perry plays and movies and we were not disappointed.

5

by camharih

4


2

by hvncynt

4

Good Movie for ENTERTAINMENT by mts24_04
I will admit I checked out the reviews as always before going t o see a movie. I will confess I'm disappointed in the critics of this movie as they were presumably looking for more (i.e. a message or enlightenment, sigh). I believe Tyler Perry is unfairly placed on a podium where all his movies must serve some higher purpose. This movie was PURE entertainment and had subtle messages that IF you chooses you can deliberate over. I took my 11 year old daughter and wife as they are big Madea and Mr Brown fans. They both laughed a lot and cried a little but enjoyed the movie and I enjoyed taking them. Keep up the good work Tyler Perry providing entertainment that prompts emotion and discussion!

5

another great movie by starsgap
Tyler Perry does it again.

5

by madicasper

4

by royalblue08

5

very good tyler by takeone54
this movie will have you thinking of something in youre own life good or bad.once again good job tyler the action the life of some many comming together keeps the drama going strong you will be looking for the next scene.i took this movie too heart because i had the same type of life story happen to me when my mother pass away,so thanks and excellent movie to watch its a 100% go watch!!!

Read all Madea's Big Happy Family reviews at Fandango
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