Does Madea Still Have It? Why Madea’s Destination Wedding Proves She Shouldn’t Retire Just Yet

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding has sparked plenty of conversation since its release, and the reviews have been divisive to say the least. Some fans are calling for the character of Madea to finally retire, claiming the latest film is a sign her time is up. Others, like myself, wholeheartedly disagree.

I gave the movie a solid 10 out of 10 — and even if I nitpicked, maybe it would still deserve at least an 8.5. Here’s why I think Madea’s Destination Wedding is exactly what audiences needed right now… and why Madea still has plenty of life left.

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It’s a Madea Movie — and That’s the Point

When you sit down for a Madea movie, you know what you’re signing up for. Nobody’s expecting Moonlight or Schindler’s List. It’s a Tyler Perry comedy, led by his iconic, outrageous alter-ego. That means big laughs, a few heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of sass.

Fans criticizing this movie for not being groundbreaking are missing the point. After heavier, more dramatic projects like A Jazzman’s Blues or Straw, this movie felt like a breath of fresh air — a goofy, feel-good escape at a time when the world feels heavier than ever.

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Better Than the Last Outing

For me, Madea’s Destination Wedding was a huge improvement over Madea Homecoming. From start to finish, the laughs kept coming. The comedy wasn’t front-loaded into the first 15 minutes, and the cast chemistry felt more natural throughout.

Even the supporting characters shone brighter. Brown had some standout moments, and we got a chance to see Brian, Tiffany, and others really take the lead, with Madea stepping back slightly and letting them shine.

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Madea’s Not Done Yet

Some people online have argued it’s time to retire Madea. But why? This movie is already a Netflix hit — topping the charts at #1 and even pushing Madea Homecoming back into the Top 10. Clearly, audiences still love her.

And the reality is, Tyler Perry knows what he has with Madea. Whenever he wants a guaranteed hit, all he has to do is bring her back. She’s his slam dunk, his touchdown — and as long as he keeps delivering movies of this caliber, she’s not going anywhere.

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A Shift in Focus — and That’s Fine

One thing I did notice in Destination Wedding was that Madea’s role felt more balanced. Yes, she still had her big laugh-out-loud scenes — the opening with the gas station standoff and the hilarious passport office moment were unforgettable — but she also took a backseat at times, letting others drive the story.

It reminded me of Coming 2 America, where Eddie Murphy stepped aside to let a younger cast carry the film. And that’s not a bad thing — it keeps the character from getting stale.

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Looking Ahead

We already know Joe’s College Road Trip is next up on Tyler Perry’s slate, and while it likely won’t drop until 2026, it shows he’s not done with this universe yet. And as for the long-rumored Mabel series on Showtime? It’s 2025 and still nothing concrete — so don’t hold your breath.

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Final Thoughts: Madea Still Delivers

At the end of the day, Madea’s Destination Wedding reminded me why this character has endured for so long. She’s funny. She’s outrageous. And she brings people together — both in the movie and in real life.

For fans who are tired of her? Don’t watch. For the rest of us who appreciate a lighthearted, funny escape? This movie delivers.

I don’t believe Madea needs to retire. I don’t even think she should slow down — at least not yet. As long as Tyler Perry keeps her movies at this level of quality, she’ll always have a place in pop culture.

What did you think of Madea’s Destination Wedding? Should she finally hang up her wig, or do you agree she’s still got it? Share your thoughts below!