Helen McCarter (Kimberly Elise) seemingly had the perfect life with husband Charles McCarter (Steve Harris). Over the years, Helen has been a faithful and loving wife, while Charles built a successful and lucrative career as a prominent Atlanta attorney. They wear the latest fashions, drive the nicest cars, have all the possessions they need, and they live on an expansive estate complete with an extravagant mansion, swimming pool, tennis court and all the trappings of wealth - a little piece of paradise away from the city. However, on the eve of their 18th wedding anniversary, Helen’s paradise begins to crumble as Charles announces that he wants a divorce. He abruptly and literally tosses Helen out of the mansion to make room for the other woman. With all of her possessions packed in a moving van, Helen starts on her journey to put the pieces of her life back together. Through the assistance of her friends, family, faith, and a twist of fate, Helen finds the strength and empowerment she needs to get control of her circumstances. She also finds that the tragic events of her life soon become comic, especially with the guidance and help - mostly unsolicited, by the way - of her gun-toting, and much beloved grandmother figure Madea (Tyler Perry).

I saw this movie yesterday and I must say that it was pretty good. It was an emotional journey. Some have described this movie as a comedy, but I winced, jumped and yelled out more than I laughed. The movie was well-acted and was far more complete than I expected from first-time director, Tyler Perry. I enjoyed seeing the great Cicely Tyson on screen again. I was a little disappointed by Helen’s expression of rage after seemingly getting her life on track. It wasn’t wholly convincing that she would be able to go back to her new life after totally abandoning it. But I guess that’s what makes it a movie.