Tyler Perry has created a cash cow when it comes to the character of Madea. He has said in the past that he was going to retire her. But, it would be the biggest mistake he ever makes. Madea’s Big Happy Family is the best of Perry’s movies in quite a while. Of course, the main attraction is Madea. But, there are other performances in the movie that will entertain the audience and make them laugh. Most of us know what to expect by now when we go see a Tyler Perry movie. Most of his movies follow the same formula every time. But this movie changes a few things up and still manages to have a nice meaning about love and family as usual.
Madea (Perry) begins to go on a hunt to find the children of her niece, Shirley (Loretta Devine), once she finds out she has cancer. She wants all three of her children over for dinner so she can tell them the news. But, it won’t be easy. And only Madea can find them and straighten them out before it’s too late. Shirley has two daughters and one son and all of them are in desperate need of rescue. Tammy (Natalie Desselle) has wild, disrespectful kids while her and her husband are falling out of love. Kimberly (Shannon Kane) does not have much time for family. She’s all business and she throws all of her anger and frustration on to her husband.
Then there is her son Byron (Bow Wow) who has been to jail in the past for selling drugs. While he has a son himself, he is trying to provide for both of them plus his girlfriend, who does not work but still expects all of the fine things in life. So with the help of Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis), Madea wants to set things right in the only manner she knows how. It involves hitting, laughter, and a good talking to. However, every family has their secrets. As the family gets together, their issues from their past begin to show their ugly faces and the truth is revealed.
One thing I appreciate is at least this time Perry made the women the villains instead of the men. Usually, his movies focus on men cheating or being abusive. But this time around, he shows what women are capable of it and that either one can make or break a relationship. As a guy, it is nice to see Perry not pick on us so much.
In almost every movie written, produced, and directed by Perry, all family issues are solved in ways that would never happen in real life. And with the character of Madea, she says and does things that no one would get away with in real life. But that is the fun of these movies because she absolutely can and does. She is a big reason why people go to see these movies. And she always seems to steal the show. However, I must say Aunt Bam played by Davis comes pretty close to being just as funny as Madea. And between the two of them, Madea’s Big Happy Family provides plenty of good laughs and fun for all.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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