I think this movie is badly underrated. Maybe the problem is that it's not light entertainment. Think about the issues covered in this film: rape; inappropriate incarceration; child abuse (both sexual and physical); class-ism; the fact that good people can be stuck living in terrible communities; forgiveness; gang-drug activity; revenge; and more.
The acting here is darned good. It's the first film I ever watched with Idris Elba, and he's excellent as a good man trying to make an honorable return to life. Gabrielle Union -- whom I've long felt is the most beautiful woman in the film industry -- is excellent as the not-so-Black-acting uptight lawyer who finally finds love in all the unexpected places. Even Louis Gossett, Jr. -- whom I usually don't care much for -- is very good here as a neighborhood friend.
There is a weakness here. The film develops a bit too slowly in the beginning and then comes to a sudden conclusion...with a happy ending. But, of course, that's what Hollywood actually does in many films.
This film is "high-average". Probably not Tyler Perry's very best effort, but it's right up there. This is well worth watching.
The acting here is darned good. It's the first film I ever watched with Idris Elba, and he's excellent as a good man trying to make an honorable return to life. Gabrielle Union -- whom I've long felt is the most beautiful woman in the film industry -- is excellent as the not-so-Black-acting uptight lawyer who finally finds love in all the unexpected places. Even Louis Gossett, Jr. -- whom I usually don't care much for -- is very good here as a neighborhood friend.
There is a weakness here. The film develops a bit too slowly in the beginning and then comes to a sudden conclusion...with a happy ending. But, of course, that's what Hollywood actually does in many films.
This film is "high-average". Probably not Tyler Perry's very best effort, but it's right up there. This is well worth watching.