The film, which is based on the filmmaker’s best known play, drew in theatres Tyler Perry’s usual audiences, but also saw impressive increases among Hispanics and young moviegoers, according to the production’s distributor Lionsgate.

 

The 39-year-old Perry impersonates Madea, a sharp-tongued granny who has appeared in several of the filmmaker’s movies and plays. Perry’s previous best debut was for his second film, “Madea Family Reunion,” which saw a $30 million opening back in 2006. In addition, it is worth noting that four of Perry’s seven films have opened at No. 1.

 

Moreover, “Madea Goes to Jail” saw the best debut for any Lionsgate release ever, thus outshining the $33.6 million debut for “Saw III,” and registered the fifth-highest rank for any movie in February, the Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. unit announced.

 

The Liam Neeson thriller “Taken,” a former No. 1 at the box office, jumped one spot to the second position with $11.4 million during its fourth weekend, while “Coraline” climbed to No. 2 with $11 million and took its total gross to $53.4 million. The Warner Bros. romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You,” starring Jennifer Aniston, slipped two places to the fourth position with $8.5 million and pushed its total revenue to $70.1 million.

 

Academy Award-winner “Slumdog Millionaire” climbed four places to No. 5 and took its 15-week total to $98 million.