Diary of a Mad Black Woman MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1

In this big-screen version of the comedic stage production, Helen (Kimberly Elise) has been married to her childhood sweetheart Charles (Steve Harris) for 18 years. A wealthy Atlanta lawyer, he is becoming increasingly distant, abusive and unfaithful. He comes home one night with a lover and asks Helen to leave. When she refuses, he physically throws her out of the house. Having nowhere else to turn, she goes to the house of her Grandma Madea (Tyler Perry), not your typical grandmother; she is a pot-smoking, gun-toting woman who is not shy about sharing what's on her mind. Helen works her way through some difficult times and, with her mother's spiritual guidance and the help of friends and family, begins to heal and learns how to trust and love again. When Charles is left paralyzed from a gunshot wound, he is abandoned by all and helplessly returns to his wife for support.

Helen wants desperately to be a good wife, but her husband is caught up in work and other women. As Charles heals physically, their relationship begins to heal and Helen learns to forgive. Madea seems to want to help, but most of her advice is to get even. Grandfather (also played by Tyler Perry) is just rude and crude. When Helen begins to date, she is thankful to God that this man is a "Christian man". Someone says, "When we do not forgive, we allow others to have power over us". Another statement is "God has the power to show us who is God". While all may not agree with the advice offered in this film, there are numerous scenes that raise opportunities to talk about God and His will in difficult situations. Many may find this film helpful and encouraging, but due to the frequent bad language and some rude humor, it is not recommended by Preview.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Lions Gate