| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Gabrielle Union | ... | Julia | |
| Idris Elba | ... | Monty | |
| Louis Gossett Jr. | ... | Willie | |
| Tasha Smith | ... | Jennifer | |
| Tracee Ellis Ross | ... | Cynthia | |
| Malinda Williams | ... | Maya | |
| Terri J. Vaughn | ... | Brenda | |
| Gary Anthony Sturgis | ... | Joseph (as Gary Sturgis) | |
| Cassi Davis | ... | Rita | |
| Sierra Aylina McClain | ... | Sierra (as Sierra McClain) | |
| China Anne McClain | ... | China (as China McClain) | |
| Lauryn Alisa McClain | ... | Lauryn (as Lauryn McClain) | |
| Juanita Jennings | ... | Katheryn | |
| Maria Howell | ... | Christopher's wife | |
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Rochelle Dewberry | ... | Miss Rochelle |
A mechanic (Idris Elba) enlists the help of a successful, but lonely, attorney (Gabrielle Union) while trying to win custody of his three daughters from his treacherous ex-wife and her larcenous boyfriend. Along the way, the working relationship between the blue collar dad and his uptown attorney grows into something more. This is a simple, touching story of two people trying to overcome their different backgrounds to find love, a down-on-his-luck man struggling to protect his children from abuse and neglect, and a community looking to purge itself from the criminals terrorizing their neighborhood. Written by edhuds0n
Tyler perry's latest effort follows in the frank Capra school of film-making. he takes a john doe and personalizes his struggle in what could be perceived as a weepy or cheesy manner, but it ultimately works because of the execution. let me get this clear up front: perry isn't frank Capra and this film isn't Mr. deeds goes to town or Mr. smith goes to Washington. of course, Capra was around longer when he made those and he had the efforts of greats like James Stewart and Gary cooper. but while this film doesn't reach the heights of Capra, it does tell a good, human story and it does so with some entertainment and humanity. some of the acting could have been better and i would have liked a fuller, more colorful (as in more entertaining or well-rounded) cast. one thing that makes Capra films (as well as Anthony Mann films) so good is the cast of secondary characters who act as foils to the protagonist, as well as offer comic relief. this film works because of the work perry does early in the film to establish some comedy and intrigue. just a couple touches here and there can be the difference between an engaged and invested audience and one that is checking their watches. B+.