"I Can Do Bad All By Myself"

I'm generally a fan of Tyler Perry's films. They have a good message even though they're not perfect - and some would they're a tad formulaic. His latest film, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, is no exception to this rule. It's not my favorite Perry film, but it means well.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Taraji P. Henson stars as a self-centered, alcoholic nightclub singer April. She lives in a rundown inherited house where her loser married boyfriend helps pay the bills. Her mother had always taken care of her sister's three children since she passed away. When her mother dies, her niece and nephews are caught raiding Madea (Perry) and Joe's (also Perry) house. Madea takes them to April's house, where she eventually realizes that she will have to take care of them.

Sandino (cutie Adam Rodriguez) has just moved to the country and is looking for work. The church pastor recommends helping April fix things around the house in exchange for room and board.

When April finally gets a clue and realizes that her boyfriend is pondscum, she and Sandino's relationship begins. The problem with that is that their relationship wasn't developed well enough. April's witchy attitude gave us no indication that a nice guy like Sandino would go for her. Regardless, Sandino helps April find her way.

A nice bonus was the wonderful music of Gladys Knight (who plays church member, Wilma) and Mary J. Blige (who plays April's friend and a bartender). Blige sings the title track from the movie.