I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2002 Video) User Reviews

Unoriginal, unfunny, untuneful, and just bad; really bad

[Morganalee · 1/10 · 2 December 2006]

It was my distinct displeasure to be subjected to this video and to the more recent but equally bad (and largely undistinguishable) "Madea Goes to Jail" as part of a captive audience on a long-distance bus trip. Under any other circumstances, I would not have spent ten minutes of my life in the same venue as this character. As it was, I was trying to plug my ears. Black man in drag plays loud, intimidating, violent virago—it wasn't funny in 1906, and it isn't funny in 2006. I am baffled and angry that Tyler Perry has resurrected this ugly staple of an unmourned past. There was no plot. The writing was worthy of a seventh-grader. The platitudes were non-stop. And the cues for the sad attempts at original "songs" were so obvious that I almost wept, because I knew that another assault on my ears was coming. The poisoning to death of a neighbor's dog is amusing, so much so that it gets ten minutes (it seemed at least that long) of exposition as a "joke"? Young black girls are prostituted by their own mothers or fathers or both so often that this plot device showed up in two out of two of these videos? When are black people going to stop celebrating violence, stop whooping in delight at the violent punishment of children? When are black people going to stop gyrating in orgiastic delirium at the mere mention of "de Lawd"? And where did black writers/"composers" like Perry get the idea that if you scream it loud enough, you need neither poetry, beauty, harmony, nor symmetry? We don't need violent Aunt Jemimas in 2006, and, if you value your history, your intellect, and your hearing, you don't need "Madea."

A funny, yet powerful and touching play.

[constancescatliffe · 10/10 · 24 January 2006]

I Can Do Bad All By Myself quickly became one of my favorite Tyler Perry plays. The story line is clear, and yet full of surprises. The vocal performances were outstanding, and the strong message of faith in Christ Jesus and the power of prayer was uplifting. Truly powerful and poignant moments were scattered amongst the hilarious slapstick of Tyler Perry's Madea. As for Brown, he is a case in and of himself--he is unbelievably funny and talented. But it was the dynamic between Tamela Mann's character, Cora, and her nieces and great-niece that really tugged at my heart strings. I would, and have, watched I Can Do Bad All By Myself over and over again; and it still makes me laugh. The only drawbacks in this early version of the play were the film quality and the costumes, which were a bit outrageous, but the sheer funniness of it more than made up for these things. In my book, this play is a comedic classic, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good laugh.

Excellent play

[chelitardgz · 10/10 · 24 October 2005]

Tyler Perry is one of the most imaginative and gifted playwrights today. This play is filled with humor and meaning. I especially like the Christian applications in each one of his plays. The music is co-written by Tyler Perry, and I find it to be very uplifting and inspiring as a Christian. I always sing right along with all of the songs in the play. The cast is comprised of very gifted individuals who can sing as well as act. Mr. Perry also has a knack for taking everyday complicated situations and adapting them for his plays. These are a favorite in my household. These plays are definitely a refreshing vacation from some of the vulgarity and depravity in some of the films you see today.

Excellent Play

[honorgrad0183 · 10/10 · 24 October 2005]

I believe this is one of the first Tyler Perry Plays. I ordered the four-pack holiday set that Lion Gate Films has released for users who are fans of Tyler Perry and Madea. I finally got a chance to watch it this weekend and I really enjoyed it. It kept me laughing for awhile.

The play opens up with Madea and her granddaughter Vianne having a heart to heart about everyday issues such as health, men, love and loss. Throughout the play we see plenty of problems that happen including Vianne's husband suddenly being seen with her own sister, the sister who cannot act like a decent mom to her fourteen year old and finally, Vianne, who is struggling to find love again. With the host of old favorites, such as Cora and Brown, a person who is a big Tyler Perry fan will be sure to enjoy this feature.

I found Vianne's story to be compelling and amazing because in the end, she was able to find love again through someone who she originally thought was not her match. Her husband was a complete fool towards her, calling her all sorts of names, but she ignored him because she had a strong faith in God.

I definitely recommend this play because there are many life lessons to be learned. Who can forget Madea, the gun-toting, joint smoking, grandmother who is as hilarious as they come. I definitely give this play 10 stars and then some.

It's The Message

[sjvarengo · 10/10 · 28 February 2006]

Tyler Perry makes us laugh, oh does he ever make us laugh. But for TP laughter is a tool to help convey a message. There is no real secret here as to what the message is. It runs through all the plays, it runs through Diary of A Mad Black Woman, and although I haven't gotten to see the movie of Madea's Family Reunion yet, I'm willing to bet it runs through that as well.

Tyler Perry is a dedicated Christian, and that is the message of his work. The teachings of Jesus are filtered through Madea and her wild family, and although Madea says repeatedly that she'll be seen in church "when they get a smoking section," she is the mortar which binds the family together.

Tyler Perry is probably the most talented man in the film industry today.

to the comment above

[NCseedSCbreed · 9/10 · 16 January 2007]

i totally disagree maybe your head is too far up your butt to realize that humor(laughter) next to health is very essential to life if you were a movie critic no good movies would come out.Every story has a plot even horrible ones.So when u watch these type of movie actually watch them they're not meant to hurt but to help he teaches life lessons. Maybe not the most incredible way to tell it but it still gets the point across. And all in all even the most horrible film has something or another great to offer. your mind is in 'dial up' switch to 'broadband' maybe u can see what i see and what others see. So please take this to the bank cash it and buy ever movie Tyler perry has ever made watch them and love them .

Tyler Perry & I Can Write This Review All By Myself

[bblack1-699-968577 · 8/10 · 30 May 2013]

First of all, let me say what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. If you read the reviews for a majority of Tyler Perry's productions here on IMDb, you'll find that too many of them are negative and just written in mean spirit. I will come out and admit that I am a huge Tyler Perry fan! I enjoy his productions and I love his works. I will say, however, that while I really do love his pieces, there are times the quality does lack. Therefore rather than proclaim all of his works as a masterpiece or declare all of them garbage, allow me to give an honest review. These are my own personal opinions; take from them what you will.

"I Can Do Bad All By Myself: the Stage Play" was the first Madea play. This character is so popular and loved, and you can see why in this play. She has a lot of energy, she is very funny, and she contains a lot of wisdom. But she is not the only person in this play, we also meet her crazy neighbor Mr. Brown, her spirited daughter Cora, and the rest of her family. The reason I think this play is great is because of the stories and the characters; Tyler Perry's greatest strength in his writing is telling everyday, human stories and showing everyday, human characters. You believe that Maylee is a real person, and I think we can say we either are Vianne, or we know someone like her. I really enjoy Keisha's story; it gives a real awareness of sex to anyone who treats it irresponsibly.

The music is great. Though, am I the only one who finds it odd the Anthony and Maylee sing along with everyone during the spiritual medley? They're both Buddhists, but their singing old church songs. Maybe it's just me, but that is kind of strange.

Finally, let me talk about the spirituality of this play. Some of you may disagree with me, but I love that Tyler Perry always talks about God and shares his faith in Jesus in all of his productions. He doesn't share his faith in a forceful or condemning way. He shares it to (1) give guidance to people who may be lost and hurting, and (2) he's writing from his knowledge and experience. Personally, I love it.

Again, I think this is a great play. Check it out at your local library or video and DVD store. BOOYIKA!