Fast Facts About I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Tyler Perry’s Newest Film in His Popular Madea Series
Aug 28, 2009
An outspoken grandmother named Madea Brown (Tyler Perry) catches three young delinquents looting her home and confronts their only relative – a scandalous aunt – about their crime. Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson) displays a variety of self-destructive behaviors, including alcoholism and promiscuity. With the help of a live-in handyman (Adam Rodriguez), the children, Madea, the church, and support from the community, April learns to “do good” and lead a healthier new life.
Background Information About I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Perry, who starred, produced, and directed, also wrote the screenplay by adapting the film from his stage play of the same name.
The character of Madea Brown (Perry in drag) was first introduced on screen in Perry’s 2005 debut film Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which crossed over into mainstream audiences and brought his popular stage play character to life in the movies. The film debuted at number one nationwide and launched Perry’s successful movie franchise.
As with Perry’s earlier films, including Madea Goes to Jail and Meet the Browns, much of the film was shot around Atlanta, Georgia, and at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, which opened in 2008 on the former Delta Airlines campus covering more than 30 acres.
In keeping with Perry’s usual style, this film blends slapstick comedy, melodrama, and romance into an inspirational story that strives for universal appeal.
The Music in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Although Perry’s plays and films explore relevant issues to the African-American community, he crosses over cultural boundaries by including music to which most audiences can relate.
In I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the characters are musicians who become transformed from and saved by the music they create.
Mary J. Blige wrote the movie’s theme song in collaboration with Chuck Harmon and three-time Grammy-winning R&B star Ne-Yo. Blige’s character Tanya performs the song in the film.
In addition to Blige, the film features dramatic and musical performances by Gladys Knight and Marvin L. Winans.
About the Cast of I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Perry returns to the screen portraying Madea and her inappropriate brother, Joe. Both characters require more than four hours of prosthetics, so sometimes Perry directed the film while in full make-up and wardrobe as Madea or Joe.
Henson, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, worked with Perry before when she played his character’s wife in the 2008 film The Family That Preys.
Rodriguez (CSI Miami, Felicity) plays the handsome handyman who appears wholesome, but hides a few dark secrets from his past.
The eclectic cast includes a collection of first-time actors, experienced actors playing against type, child actors, and musicians.
Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself
- Three delinquent teens and their aunt learn about self-respect through the help of the community.
- Starring Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, Marvin L. Winans, Hope Olaide Wilson, Freddy Siglar, Kwesi Boakye
- Writer and Director: Tyler Perry
- Run Time: 113 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic material involving a sexual assault on a minor, violence, drug references, and smoking)
- Release Date: September 11, 2009
For more information about other fall 2009 movie releases, read Comedy Movie Preview Fall 2009.
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