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With a gross domestic box office draw of less than $300,000,000 between six films, Tyler Perry’s big screen success isn’t all that impressive until you consider that most of his films have only opened on about 2,000 screens and cost remarkably little to produce. Many of these films' success has revolved around Perry himself — a 6'5" gentleman - appearing in drag as the stubborn, irrepressible Mable "Madea" Simmons. This March, Perry returns to the big screen with his latest turn as the popular character in Madea Goes to Jail.

The story centers on Madea’s misfortune as a high-speed freeway chase lands her in jail. She touches the lives of those around her, finding support in her eccentric family members — the Browns. One of the lives touched happens to be that of a prostitute and former drug addict named Candace Washington. Candace is played by Cosby Show alumni Keshia Knight Pulliam. The Candace storyline involves a subplot featuring rising Assistant DA Joshua Hardaway (Derek Luke) and his fiancée Linda Holmes (Ion Overman.)

Something of an outsider to traditional film circles, Perry’s initial success came from theater, where the Madea character made her first appearance. The character has more than enough appeal amongst his niche audience to carry this and probably many other films. The role has the added bonus of being something Perry wouldn’t necessarily look ridiculous playing even into old age, but having exhausted much of the character's potential in a long series of stories, this may be the last Madea film for a while. Perry is next set to appear in a small part in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movie. His next film is A Jazz Man’s Blues — a departure from Perry’s trademark work set in the post-World War II south. The relative success of it and Madea Goes To Jail may be crucial in establishing Perry as more than one-track artist. (Russ Bickerstaff/BOP)

Vital statistics for Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail Main Cast Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam Supporting Cast David Mann, Tamela Mann, Ronreaco Lee, Ion Overman, Vanessa Ferlito, Viola Davis, Sofia Vergara, Robin Coleman, Bobbi Baker Director Tyler Perry Screenwriter Tyler Perry Distributor Lionsgate Trailer Click Here for Trailer Official Site http://www.madeagoestojailmovie.com/ Screen Count 2,032 Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture