Tyler Perry's Joe's College Road Trip - "Good Message, Nothing New"

The formula remains, but the recipe is a bit spicier, reminiscent of the American Pie franchise or the 2000 film Road Trip. It’s full of raunchy jokes and hilarious situations, yet it is intertwined with a sentimental, noteworthy message that is the hallmark of a Tyler Perry film.

Like a good recipe from your favorite restaurant, Tyler Perry’s Madea movies are always timely. His dedicated fan base returns, knowing the flavor never misses. With Perry’s Madea movies, the audience knows exactly what to expect. Fans anticipate a consistent formula and a certain level of craziness and entertainment—anything less is unacceptable. In his latest Netflix movie, Tyler Perry’s Joe’s College Road Trip, the formula remains, but the recipe is a bit spicier, reminiscent of the American Pie franchise or the 2000 film Road Trip. It’s full of raunchy jokes and hilarious situations, yet it is intertwined with a sentimental, noteworthy message that is the hallmark of a Tyler Perry film.

Brian’s (Perry) son, BJ (Jermaine Harris), is about to choose a college. Pepperdine University, with his best friends Stewart and Todd, tops his list. Brian worries about BJ’s limited worldliness, especially his understanding of African American culture, so he sends him on a road trip with Grandpa Joe.

Fans may not be accustomed to, or be put off by, watching an R-rated movie from the Madea series. The only other rated R movie was Madea’s Homecoming. Hence, viewers may want to stick to mild, because this is Paqui One. Joe, being of a different flavor, Perry moves the needle in this one. Much to the liking of Netflix’s Beauty in Black, which is a Tyler Perry production, Joe’s College Road Trip is full of colorful language, nudity, and strong sexual content - and I do mean strong. Let’s not forget, Joe’s past life was of a P.I.M.P.

Perry’s storyline is mediocre at best – “seen it, done it.” But the message is important and makes the movie more palpable.  Perry sheds light on how a portion of the younger generation of African Americans has forgotten the struggle fought before and for them. Conquering hurdles or prevailing against adversity enables them to have the freedom they have right now. The misguided reasoning of “Always talking about the past”, but it is not relevant anymore.

Grandpa Joe takes his grandson on a journey exploring historical African American landmarks. From Money, Mississippi, where Emitt Till was accused of whistling at a white woman, to the night’s stay in the same room where Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The tone is overt but laced with humor because, during times of struggle, laughter often accompanies tears of joy and pain. Through laughter, Perry explores the pain of the injustices prevalent in the black community, as in his previous films, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and I Can Do Bad All by Myself. In these movies, the black female voice is prominent, exploring their fight against domestic abuse and poverty, with Madea as the Matriarch guiding them through this journey. In this film, Joe is the Patriarch who gives guidance.

Tyler Perry’s Joe’s College Road Trip delivers the expected humor and laughter. The tone is spicier—an acquired taste compared to the usual Madea experience. Audience's eyes will wander with excitement or squint will embarrassment as they examine shenanigans in a house of ill repute or a stereotypical biker bar fight. The familiar tone is edgier, but the plot remains simplistic—nothing new here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAFF7SwGY_k