Tyler Perry’s new movie “Madea Goes to Jail,” starring Perry himself (who is the director, the producer and the writer of the film) as Ms. Simmons, has altered the pattern of the previous Madea movies by putting the main character under the spotlight again.

The story, bouncing between drama and comedy, which transpires from Madea’s personality and temper, with her refusing to go to church or be cured by Dr. Phil, among other things, revolves around two defining elements of human nature: sin and redemption.

Nevertheless, Madea is neither sinful without any chance of being forgiven, nor seeking redemption or being forced by destiny and the course of events in her life to become a better person.

Going back and forth from melodrama to humor is the main characteristic of the movie, with actors like Derek Luke, a young assistant district attorney on his way to marrying a colleague, and Viola Davis, who portrays a minister, rendering the transition thrilling due to their intense way of pulling off their roles.

„Madea Goes to Jail” debuted Friday, without it having been previously screened for the press and its cast also includes Keisha Knight Pulliam as a young prostitute and former drug addict Candace Washington, Ion Overman as district attorney Linda Holmes, Ronreaco Lee, Vanessa Ferlito, Robin Coleman, Sophia Vergara and Bobbi Baker.

Tyler Perry, who plays another two characters in “Madea Goes to Jail” besides Ms. Simmons, kicked off the Madea series with “Madea’s Family Reunion,” which opened on February 24, 2006 at no.1 at the box office with $30.3 million made within its debut week-end.