I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF

RYAN: “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” is yet another cookie cutter Tyler Perry genre-blending dramedy like everything he’s ever done, except this one stars recent Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson.

CAROLINE: After seeing one Tyler Perry movie with you last year, I can safely say I will never see another. But you’ve seen a bunch of his movies – how did this one measure up?

RYAN: Honey, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all. This one is identical to all the others.

CAROLINE: Does Madea make an appearance? We all know how Tyler Perry loves to do drag.

RYAN: Yes, she’s in this, thankfully, and she’s always my favorite part of his movies. There’s never enough Madea. But I have to mention the young actress who plays the little girl in the film. She’s a scene stealer and one to watch. She has one moment that stands out, even against Taraji.

CAROLINE: Isn’t Mary J. Blige in it too?

RYAN: Indeed she is. And she makes this movie almost a musical. She plays a bartender but she sings at the bar too, and she’s great; at the singing anyway. Her acting is only so-so. But the musical moments are truly fab. And there’s a preacher who sweats so much he makes Whitney Houston look dry.

CAROLINE: Let me guess – this movie covers topics like infidelity, domestic violence, absent fathers and kids looking for a role model or parent.

RYAN: Check, check and check. Are you sure you didn’t see this movie?

CAROLINE: [laughs’ We know Tyler isn’t much for diversity.

RYAN: He’s a director who shouldn’t be directing. His material would be so much stronger with a more sophisticated director.

CAROLINE: I just don’t get why he has to churn out so many movies; sometimes more than one a year. It’s just not necessary. He should take more time, and that way perhaps make a stronger film.

RYAN: I hear you. I liked this movie, but I didn’t love it.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: You know who you are if you’re a Tyler Perry fan, and this movie delivers on all his usual levels. It’s decent for a Tyler Perry movie, but it’s certainly not a great film. We all know what to expect from him at this point.

CAROLINE: Yeah – not much.

— RATING —