WATCH: I Can Do Bad All By Myself Movie Review

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Earlier this week, as cast members and friends strolled down the red carpet before the New York City premiere of Tyler Perry's latest feature film, "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," one couldn't help but wonder what Madea, Perry's wiley matriarch who can solve all of life's problems in a two-hour movie, would be up to next.

Turns out, while Madea -- one of filmmaker Perry's alter egos -- doles out her share of "truth-ims," she plays second fiddle to the power-packed voices of this stage-play-turned-movie-of-the-same-name, opening Friday.

Perhaps it was coincidence, but not likely. Perry does nothing without skilled planning and anticipation.

The casting of R&B superstars Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and gospel

great Pastor Marvin Winans in dramatic and singing roles was no accident. Even the shadowed voice of Cheryl Pepsi Riley, singing for Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson who plays the lead, was all Perry's doing.

Henson portrays April, an alcoholic nightclub singer forced to care for her teenage niece and

younger nephews by default. Their drug-addicted mother is dead, and their maternal grandmother, April's mother, is missing.

When the abandoned children resort to stealing to feed themselves and to buy needles for the youngest child's diabetes injections, they just happen to break into Madea's house, a choice that eventually sets them on the right path.

Madea's bed-and-breakfast is not taking any boarders so she delivers thehungry little thieves to April's doorstep, who vehemently protests.

Then again, who can say "no" to Madea?

Problem is April has said already "yes" to Randy (Brian J. White), her adulterous boyfriend and Sugar Daddy for too long. Running parallel to the in-house drama at April's place is the underlying subtext of do-gooder and all-around handyman Sandino ("CSI Miami's" Adam Rodriguez), who just needs a place to stay, a rundown house to repair (April's) and three adorable children who need a role model. It all fits neatly into place.

Fast-forward into the future with resolute scenes that produce the ultimate happy ending, and we see April has gotten clear on what really matters in life and the children find balance. And, of course, there's plenty of great singing sandwiched in between.

And on that positive and melodious note, Perry's "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" does no harm.

SOURCE: Mercury News - Sandra Varner

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