Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself (Movie Review)

Tyler Perry is back with his latest film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” The film, which bears the title of Perry’s play stars Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson in the lead role, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Tyler Perry as “Madea” and newcomer Hope Olaide Wilson. The film also features performances from […]

Tyler Perry is back with his latest film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”

The film, which bears the title of Perry’s play stars Academy Award

nominated actress Taraji P. Henson in the lead role, Adam Rodriguez,

Brian White, Tyler Perry as “Madea” and newcomer Hope Olaide Wilson. The

film also features performances from Grammy Award winning singers

Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and along with Pastor Marvin Winans.

 

The storyline of “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” revolves around a young

woman named April (Henson), a nightclub performer whose past problems

have led her to become a stubborn, selfish, alcoholic. Due to circumstance, she feels the innate

need to depend on her married boyfriend (White). However when April

unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned niece and nephews,

she must find it in herself to change her self-centered ways and open up her

heart. However April is not alone on her journey to change, which is

sparked when she meets Mexican immigrant Sandino (Rodriguez), who moves

into her home, and provides her with the love and friendship which

allows her to be more caring.

 

This film is considerably different from Perry’s previous films because of the musical numbers and performances in the film. They are used, not only

to uplift the audience, but to overtly aid April as she re-discovers who she is and examine her new life. In the film April’s no nonsense best friend Tanya is

portrayed by none other than Grammy Award winning singer Mary J.

Blige, who delivers the title track of the film. In

portraying Tanya, Blige formulates a friend that doubles as a mentor. She dishes out

blunt, straight to the point guidance. In press junkets, Blige has said that she drew upon her own life experiences to bring the

character to life in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”

 

Gladys Knight delivers another memorable performance as Wilma, a church going woman who had a close relationship

with April’s family. Ms. Knight balances her character in the film

through soulful gospel numbers as well as the motherly advice she

gives to April. Ms. Knight stated in interviews that the character was in tune with her real life persona.

 

Taraji P. Henson gives a great performance as usual in the film. In

portraying April, Henson goes from making the character a

misunderstood egotist to a being the viewers can identify with,

and learn to accept. Perry uses the character April to convey the

theme of learning to love ones self before fully being able to love

others.

 

On another note, Perry’s beloved and maligned character Madea appears in this

film, however she has far less screen time than in previous films. Yet

the scenes with Madea serve it’s purpose in using Madea to teach

people about how to love and respect themselves.

 

But with every hero, and motherly figure there comes a villain, which

Brian White plays very convincing, as the non-likeable Randy. From the

minute Randy steps on screen the audience is made to dislike his

character, and it seems as if the character never changes but gets

worse as the film progresses.

 

“I Can Do Bad All By Myself” is recommended for the positive theme of family, how resolution is portrayed and the evolution of various characters.