Madea Goes to Jail is a 2009 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Tyler Perry, which was based on his 2006 play, and starring Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Ion Overman, RonReaco Lee, Sofía Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito, and Viola Davis.
The film tells the story of Madea (Tyler Perry), a tough-talking, elderly woman who is sentenced to jail for five to ten years after getting into a confrontation with a woman who stole her parking spot at Kmart. In jail, Madea befriends a young incarcerated prostitute named Candace (Keshia Knight Pulliam), and she also clashes with the prison warden (Sofia Vergara).
As Madea serves her time, she tries to help Candace get her life back on track. She also tries to deal with her own anger issues. The film is a mix of humor and drama, as it explores the challenges of life in prison and the power of redemption.
Madea Goes to Jail was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $115 million at the box office. The film was praised for its humor, its performances, and its message of hope.
Watch For Free
If video doesn't play in browser, try another one. The videos work with Opera, Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. Some films take a bit to load so be patient.
Cast
- Tyler Perry as:
Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough old lady.
Joe Simmons, Madea's brother.
Brian Simmons, a lawyer who is Madea's nephew and Joe's son. - Derek Luke as Joshua Hardaway, an assistant district attorney.
- Keshia Knight Pulliam as Candace "Candy" Washington-Collins, a prostitute and former friend of Joshua.
- Ion Overman as Linda Davis, an envious assistant district attorney and Joshua's fiancé who secretly commits illegal activities like fraud, evidence tampering, and providing false legal documents involving some of the people she prosecuted.
- RonReaco Lee as Chuck, an assistant district attorney and Joshua's friend.
- Sofía Vergara as Terry "T.T.", a female serial killer that becomes Madea's cellmate.
- Vanessa Ferlito as Donna, a prostitute and Candace's friend.
- Viola Davis as Ellen Holmes, a minister who used to be a prostitute.
- Tamela Mann as Cora Simmons, Madea's daughter.
- David Mann as Mr. Brown, Cora's father.
- Bobbi Baker as Tanya, Linda's friend
- Aisha Hinds as Fran, the head assistant district attorney who is Joshua, Linda, and Chuck's boss.
- Leon Lamar as an old man at Joe's party.
- Benjamín Benítez as Arthur, a pimp that harasses Candy.
- Jackson Walker as Mr. Brackman, a man who interviews Candy for a job.
- Robin Coleman as Big Sal, a tough inmate and prison "boss" that runs afoul of Madea.
- Karan Kendrick as Watson, a prison officer at DeKalb County Prison.
Cameos
- Phil McGraw as himself, he acts as Madea's anger management counselor.
- Mablean Ephriam as herself, a judge that sentences Madea to anger management.
- Greg Mathis as himself, a judge that sentences Madea to 5 to 10 years in prison.
- Al Sharpton as himself, he talks about the actions of Linda on Keepin' It Real with Al Sharpton
- Whoopi Goldberg as herself, she appears on The View talking about Madea.
- Sherri Shepherd as herself, she appears on The View talking about Madea.
- Elisabeth Hasselbeck as herself, she appears on The View talking about Madea.
- Joy Behar as herself, she appears on The View talking about Madea.
- Tom Joyner as himself, a radio show host that talks about the actions of Linda.
- Steve Harvey as himself, he talks about the actions of Linda on The Steve Harvey Morning Show.
- Michael Baisden as himself, a radio personality who talks about the actions of Linda. He labeled Madea, Candace, and the other 5 inmates as the Georgia Seven, while also referencing the Jena Six.
- Frank Ski as himself, a radio personality who talks about the actions of Linda.
Director: Tyler Perry
Writers: Tyler Perry
Box Office Gross: $90,508,336
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: February 20, 2009