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Poster for Madea Goes to Jail

Madea Goes to Jail

Seen it?

2009 | 102 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

It made about 5 times its budget, but middling reviews (29% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Cape Fear or The Lincoln Lawyer, start here.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.

After a high-speed car chase, Madea winds up behind bars because her quick temper gets the best of her. Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Josh Hardaway lands a case that's too personal to handle: that of a young prostitute and former drug addict named Candace, also a childhood friend. When Candace winds up in jail, Madea takes the young woman under her protective wing.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    29% on Rotten Tomatoes, 50 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $91 million worldwide on a $18 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 113K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Tyler Perry

  • Tyler PerryMadea / Joe / Brian
  • Derek LukeJoshua Hardaway
  • Keshia Knight PulliamCandace "Candy" Washington
  • Ion OvermanLinda Davis
  • Sofía VergaraT.T.
  • Vanessa FerlitoDonna
  • Viola DavisEllen
  • David MannMr. Brown
  • Tamela MannCora Simmons
  • RonReaco LeeChuck