Is Tyler Perry in the midst of a slump? His most recent films have been doing about half the business of his earlier stuff, and it doesn't seem to matter whether or not he's dressed up in drag as surly old grandma, Madea. He still has the market cornered on African-American family dramedys, but as others begins to fight for their share of the pie, such as Steve Harvey and T.D. Jakes, Perry has smartly stepped further into the mainstream, even taking on the title role in the next Alex Cross film.
Madea's Witness Protection is a prime example of Perry's growing crossover influence. Eugene Levy(American Pie) stars as a high level CEO who is enrolled in the witness protection program after he's caught up in a Ponzi scheme. So where does the government decide to hide Levy and his family? Where nobody else will ever think to look for him, like at Madea's family home down south. >sigh< Denise Richards, Tom Arnold, Doris Roberts, Romeo, John Amos, and Marla Gibbs co-star. Really? Marla Gibbs??
The first teaser trailer has been released, and it's all silly antics and broad humor with Madea as she experiences the thrills of 1st class flying. If that's not funny enough for you, then maybe Levy dressed up as a French stereotype will do it? No? Didn't think so. Yeah, this looks dreadful, but it'll make bank when it opens on June 29th...
