OK for kids 14+
Sometimes-gritty dramedy has some moving moments.
What Parents Need to Know
Parent need to know that this dramedy based on a play by Tyler Perry is both gritty and righteous. Although, like Perry's other films, it ends on a decidedly optimistic (if unsurprising) note, the main character is an iffy role model throughout much of the movie -- she smokes, drinks, and shows no compassion toward her sister’s young children, who all need her help. The movie also examines the tragic toll of child abuse and includes a scene of near-sexual assault on a teenage girl.
- Families can talk about April. Is she meant to be considered a role model? What prevents her from embracing those who need her and/or care for her? Why does she have so many vices?
- What message do you think the movie is ultimately sending? Is Perrysaying that you need to have a partner by your side to take on life’schallenges? Is that par for the course for more mainstream Hollywoodmovies?
The good stuff
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Messages: Perry’s messages of faith and hope shine through, which many viewers may find inspiring. But his chauvinism does, too: Main character April can’t seem to be saved without a man, and though she’s a strong character, a not-so-subtle undercurrent leaves the impression that a woman needs a “good man” to make her way through this world intact.
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Role models: The main character spends much of the movie being cold and selfish, even heartless (and her boyfriend is even nastier) -- but she ultimately experiences a huge sea change/epiphany. The supporting characters are actually far more appealing, with big hearts and obvious (to the point of being nearly one-dimensional) goodness.
What to watch for
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Violence: A married man makes inappropriate, aggressive advances toward a teenager -- to the point of almost raping her. Two men end up in a bloody fight. A woman nearly kills a man by electrocuting him. Two comic characters jokingly threaten to dispense corporal punishment to set kids straight.
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Sex: A woman messes around with a married man, but the audience doesn’t really see anything except them in bed under the covers. In another scene, a man and a woman share a gentle kiss.
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Language: Mild swearing, including one use of "s--t" and several instances of words like "ass," “hell,” "damn," and “shut up.” Also "oh my God."
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Consumerism: While characters are seen dressed to the nines, there’s little mention of brands -- though the Heineken label gets screen time.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A woman practically chain smokes her way through the movie; she also drinks so much that her friend calls her on it. A joint is mentioned but never seen on screen.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Terrible, terrible, terrible! by CreoleInDC
This was the worst movie in the entire history of worst movies. I went because Mr. Perry's movies have been getting better but this one was just an insult to moviegoers everywhere. It was absolutely TERRIBLE. The only good in this movie was Ms. Henson's makeup and wardrobe, Ms. Blige's wardrobe and the song Ms. Blige sang in the club. The rest of this movie was predictable, stereotypical, insulting and incredibly elementary to say that Mr. Perry has done this before.
I can't believe he got me again. I blame Oprah. I thought that by hanging out with Oprah he'd care more about what he offered Black America as entertainment since he knows how much we crave seeing people that look like us on the big screen. I thought she'd MAKE him understand just how powerful his reach is and how much he could do with it.
I blame Oprah for my being hoodwinked into giving him yet another try. No more. I'm done. He's disrespected me as a fan one time too many.
1
I feel robbed! by ghm
A terrible dissappointment. I was so excited about another Tyler Perry movie. Big let down. Obviously low budget. Nothing was believeable, bad acting, plot wasn't developed. Felt like Madea was just added for ticket sales. No connect at all. BIG LET DOWN. I WANT A REFUND.
5
i can do bad all by myself by msguy822
it was a very very good movie, very inspirational and a tear jerker but a good one!
5
Five Word Review by Bahamas1918
Deep Dramatic Tearjerker Reality Excellent
5
Tyler Perry - I can do bad all my myself. by thekindone
I am very thankful we dont receive what the critics have to say about our creative new upcoming film producers. That clown dave, truly dont know anything about the Black Experience. I was totally amazed at his lack of understanding, his inability to have any concept at all of what life is like from a black prospective.
Tyler Perry has only gotten better and better with his productions, creative abilities and not being limited or hindered in any shape form or fashion.
Thank God for Tyler Perry presenting, demonstrating his creative ability to send a message to the world today, about the Black experience. Life is more than a drink, a smoke, Life is a gift, something rendered from the Lord.
This movie is very positive, uplifting motivating and stimulating and should be seem by everyone, as a form of inspiration. The church seem, you could feel the anointing of the Lord, The cast were awesome and the message was one of Hope, knowing that God wants for us, more than what we want
5
Tyler Perry is the best role model.. I loveeeeeeee you by PersianCat
I must say Tyler Perry is my favorite actor. I went to watch the movie last night on Friday when it was opened and Tyler Perry NEVER seems to disappoint me with his great talent, his ability to write, produce and act is just phenomenon.... I have to watch every show or movie Tyler Perry produces. I love the character (MADEA) She is very hilarious, just speak her mind, not afraid of anyone, she makes you laugh continuously, but Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself is the only true movie I have watched apart of Tyler Perry Why Did I Get Married and it made me cry, the way how this young 16 year old girl have to raise her 2 brothers all by herself, and her aunt never cared about her niece future and how she turned around after the pastor and Gladys Knight came in and gave her the sad news she came around and cared for her niece and told her she could stay with her, it was very emotional to me. Tyler Perry keep on doing your tremendous work. I loveeeeeeeee you so much.