They Got a B+ All By Their-self

This weekend I went to see Tyler Perry’s newest theatre presentation, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Staring Oscar Nominated actress Taraji Henson, Mary J Blige, Adam Rodriguez (CSI), Brian White, Gladys Knight, Marvin Wynans and Tyler Perry as Madea. I’ve been a fan of Tyler’s productions since his stage play days and once again he delivered a feel good movie with controversy, adversity, comedy and spirituality.

Though there were certain parts of the movie that was far fetch such as the over selfish character Taraji played who let a complete stranger move into her basement that she later-quickly married and her mother who was found dead on a bus with out any identification on her way to work, the movie was entertaining.

I was slightly distracted by the obvious less than realistic set partially because I pay attention to scenery details. I also had foresight that most of the production was filmed at Tyler Perry studios. For example Taraji’s brownstone like home was right across the street from mini-mega church and her job was in walking distance of her house. There were always a lot of people in the background scenes in this close knit very colorful community, that at times seemed a bit overstaged. Nerveless the message still came across, I laughed, I praised God and was impressed with most of the makeup, hair and wardrobe styling. I'll admit, they made me want to go get some lashes- and I don't do lashes.

The makeup was good on Taraji and Mary, but for some reason Gladys Knights lip color was the wrong shade and rather sticky in a few scenes. Taraji played a struggling night club singer but her wardrobe and hair reflected that of a more established artist, she was fly to say the least.

Mary J Blige’s character who was also a bartender and singer in the same nightclub was adorned in some beautiful colorful, fun shaped dresses. Her hair was darker and more mature than we are use to Mary rocking, but she still had that "round the way girl" flavor that we love Mary for.

After the climax of the movie things moved along very fast- a little to fast in some areas and slower in areas not needed. You will definitely leave with a smile on your face and anticipating to see what Perry will bring in his next film, Precious, that has a more serious tone. You can say what you want about TP but he has a winning formula that is working very well for him. He always feature local talent from Atlanta, introduces fresh faces and stars highly respectable African American entertainers that you are happy to see on the big screen. I give this movie B+.