"MADEA'S WITNESS PROTECTION" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Madea's Witness Protection

Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection based on title alone is ridiculous, so shame on you if you are walking into it expecting anything beyond the absurd. The question though is whether or not Perry's loyal Fanbase is growing weary yet of his Humour. His last three Films have debuted far off-the-mark set by 2009's Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail, which opened to the tune of $41 million.

This Comedy's Premise surrounds Wall Street Banking CFO George Needleman (Eugene Levy), whose World is turned upside-down after discovering that his Corporation has been involved in a Ponzi Scheme. Although clear of any intentional wrongdoing, George suddenly becomes the target of an Investigation, is in danger and faces possibly a stiff Sentence. He and his Family are brought down South to live with the outspoken and sassy Madea (Tyler Perry), who might have a thing or two to say about him and his Family's troubled ways.

Playing off the cultural and socio-economic contrasts of White America and Black America, much of the Humour here is not-so-subtle. Much of the Film's more rewarding moments are delivered courtesy of Toronto's own Levy who hasn't carried the weight of a Lead Role in quite some time but is likeable as a naïve Businessman.  Also surprisingly effective is the doe-eyed Denise Roberts as George's Wife Kate - whom surely herself might have drawn upon a personal experience or two as a burdened Wife. 

Unmistakably once again though, Perry is the true Star of it all carrying the weight of not one, but five roles here as Joe, Brian and Madea - plus being Producer and Director. His innate sense of comedic timing and his unwavering delivery are an inspiration to Women, Drag Queens and Gay Men everywhere.  And wait till you see Madea's glamorous Jackie O.-inspired Makeover.

As is the case traditionally with Tyler Perry's Films, all culminates in some sort of a spiritual Catharsis through all the Chaos and Fans will be singing Oh Happy Day even if Critics won't.  Alliance Films releases Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection on Friday, June 29, 2012.

STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO GILDA RADNER IN TORONTO AT "IT"S ALWAYS SOMETHING" GALA

2011 It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto

Some familiar faces came back to Toronto last night in honour of a Friend. Gilda's Club Toronto opened its doors in 1991 in memory of Comedienne/Actress Gilda Radner - known best for her work on Saturday Night Live - who had passed away in 1989 after a three-year battle with Ovarian Cancer.  The Club offers free Group Support to the Families-of and those who are suffering from Cancer.  Radner once said publicly, "No one should have to face Cancer alone".  Having battled Cancer for a brief period in my life myself, I understand the truth in that statement.

Although for the past nine years the It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto was held at the Royal Alexandra and Elgin Theatres, the venue was upgraded to Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, selling-out 3,100 seats to accommodate.  Over the past nine years, the Gala has raised over $3 million for the Cause.

Some famous Friends of Radner's like Andrea Martin, Jeanne Beker, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Shaffer, Fred Willard came-out to show their support, performing a two-act Variety Show, hosted for the fifth year by our v. own Russell Peters.  Tributes were paid in Speeches, Dedications, Skits, Song and Dance, reminding us that her Spirit still is v. present.

"A RUSSELL PETERS CHRISTMAS" PREMIERE ANNOUNCED

Still from A Russell Peters Christmas

Remember when we spotted Pamela Anderson arriving in Toronto last month? Well now we can see what she was up to when CTV airs A Russell Peters Christmas on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. The Comedy Network will be airing it Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:00 PM EST. The Special will feature Special Appearances from Michael Bublé, Pamela Anderson, Ted Lange, Faizon Love, Jon Lovitz, Goapele and Scott Thompson.

Don't forget to tune-in to what should be a epically hilarious Special!

I'll be seeing the Brampton Funnyman this Saturday at It's Always Something in support of Gilda's Club Toronto. Also attending the Event at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts will be SCTV Alumni Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short, plus Fred Willard and Paul Shaffer.

(Photo credit: CTV)