I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When Madea catches teenage Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of her married boyfriend, April wants nothing to do with the kids.
Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 1h 53m
I Can Do Bad All By Myself is rated PG-13 mainly for a violent attempted sexual assault of a teen, several physical fights with on-screen blood, and mature themes including alcoholism, neglected children and the death of a relative. Parents should be prepared for a graphic-seeming beat‑up of an adult attacker (blood visible), an attempted rape of Jennifer (a teenage character), repeated alcohol use, strong language and references to… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is I Can Do Bad All By Myself appropriate for kids?
I Can Do Bad All By Myself is rated PG-13 mainly for a violent attempted sexual assault of a teen, several physical fights with on-screen blood, and mature themes including alcoholism, neglected children and the death of a relative. Parents should be prepared for a… Read more — free account
Content severity in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
What happens in I Can Do Bad All By Myself, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:15 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:20 🍷 Substances 4/10
Sex and nudity in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Strong and direct: the film includes an attempted rape of the teenage character Jennifer by Randy (interrupted), crude sexual propositions toward minors, and a brief glimpse of a naked man’s butt in a bathtub. Characters also discuss past molestation and sexual abuse in emotionally frank terms. These moments are central to the plot and treated seriously — not played for laughs.
Violence and gore in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Moderate-to-strong physical violence appears several times: a man who menaces a teen is struck repeatedly (face shown bloody), youngsters are roughed up when caught breaking in, and there are scenes of threats and physical intimidation. One sequence shows a man beaten with a board and visibly bloodied; another involves a radio dropped into a bathtub creating a frightening electrocution flash. Violence is non-graphic but sometimes intense and upsetting.
Language in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Frequent strong language throughout: many uses of "hell" and "damn," several slurs and name-calling, and a few stronger expletives including isolated uses of the f-word. Insults and coarse sexual references occur in argument scenes and at the nightclub. Expect steady mature dialogue rather than isolated mild swearing.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Moderate: repeated alcohol use and cigarette smoking are shown (April drinking and performing in a nightclub, rooms littered with bottles and ashtrays). Drug references appear (needles are found and suspected to be for drugs, later revealed to be for a child’s diabetic insulin). A passing line about rolling a joint is heard; illicit drugs are discussed but not glamorized.
Mature themes in I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Strong mature themes: child neglect and poverty, the death of a family member (April receives her mother/grandmother's ashes), a child with a serious medical condition (diabetes), and references to past molestation. The film deals with family dysfunction, grief and recovery — emotional content that can be heavy for younger viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Can Do Bad All By Myself appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests I Can Do Bad All By Myself is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. I Can Do Bad All By Myself is rated PG-13 mainly for a violent attempted sexual assault of a teen, several physical fights with on-screen blood, and mature themes including alcoholism, neglected children and the death…
What age rating does I Can Do Bad All By Myself have?
I Can Do Bad All By Myself is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is I Can Do Bad All By Myself about?
I Can Do Bad All By Myself is rated PG-13 mainly for a violent attempted sexual assault of a teen, several physical fights with on-screen blood, and mature themes including alcoholism, neglected children and the death of a relative. Parents should be prepared for a graphic-seeming beat‑up of an adult attacker (blood…
Is there sex or nudity in I Can Do Bad All By Myself?
Strong and direct: the film includes an attempted rape of the teenage character Jennifer by Randy (interrupted), crude sexual propositions toward minors, and a brief glimpse of a naked man’s butt in a bathtub. Characters also discuss past molestation and…
How violent is I Can Do Bad All By Myself?
Moderate-to-strong physical violence appears several times: a man who menaces a teen is struck repeatedly (face shown bloody), youngsters are roughed up when caught breaking in, and there are scenes of threats and physical intimidation. One sequence shows a…
Is the language in I Can Do Bad All By Myself appropriate for kids?
Frequent strong language throughout: many uses of "hell" and "damn," several slurs and name-calling, and a few stronger expletives including isolated uses of the f-word. Insults and coarse sexual references occur in argument scenes and at the nightclub…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in I Can Do Bad All By Myself?
Moderate: repeated alcohol use and cigarette smoking are shown (April drinking and performing in a nightclub, rooms littered with bottles and ashtrays). Drug references appear (needles are found and suspected to be for drugs, later revealed to be for a…
What mature themes appear in I Can Do Bad All By Myself?
Strong mature themes: child neglect and poverty, the death of a family member (April receives her mother/grandmother's ashes), a child with a serious medical condition (diabetes), and references to past molestation. The film deals with family dysfunction…
How long is I Can Do Bad All By Myself?
I Can Do Bad All By Myself runs 113 minutes, directed by Tyler Perry, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full I Can Do Bad All By Myself parent guide?
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