'Tyler Perry's Joe's College Road Trip' Review
- Dempsey Pillot
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Release Date: 02/13/26 [Netflix]
Genre: Comedy.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: Netflix.
The Verdict: A Maybe
The MCU is back! Tyler Perry’s Madea Cinematic Universe, that is. But for the first time in the franchise’s history, the abrasive and eccentric matriarch known as Mabel Earlene "Madea" Simmons is not the star. Instead, her outspoken brother Joe is.
Joe has appeared in nearly every film alongside Madea. Yet each time he’s only served as the Statler and Waldorf-esque comedic relief: never leaving his post, unafraid to tell her about herself and gifted with some of the funniest one-liners. Given his popularity, it was inevitable Perry would tap into Joe’s origin and give him his own adventure. But Joe’s College Road Trip is way more than just a cheap spin-off. In fact, it’s arguably one of the franchise’s best movies in years.
The film begins with a flashback of Joe’s early years. In a brief montage, we learn that he never earned more than a third grade education. We also see him rise up the ranks as a pimp before settling down and having his son, Brian. Fast forward to the present and Brian is getting ready to send his own son B.J. off to college. While B.J. is set on going to a prestigious university with his white friends, Brian wants him to go somewhere he will have more friends of color. Brian feels guilty that he’s raised son too well. In a lengthy exchange with Madea and Joe at the beginning of the film, Brian expresses his concern about B.J. having no real understanding of his modern privilege or what his ancestors endured so that he could enjoy his current life. It’s this concern that sets the stage for the film’s bigger themes.
Just as the deadline arrives for B.J. to pick a school, he is given the opportunity to tour his top choice. Brian is unable to do it. And Madea, who would normally find time in her schedule for similar shenanigans, just doesn’t want to. By default, Joe ends up being the only adult available. Despite some initial pushback (for the same reason as Madea), he reluctantly agrees. What starts out as an earnest attempt at bonding becomes an unforgettable experience marked by encounters with racist rednecks, other pimps and a surprising amount of social commentary. The latter of which will hit you like a folding chair.
On top of this being the first movie in the Madea franchise to focus on Joe, it’s also notably the first to be rated “R.” Admittedly, the numerous F-words and racial slurs don’t add too much to the film’s humor. And, while the decision may isolate some of the core religious fanbase, it still works because it stays true to Joe’s vulgar personality. Even without the obscenities, Perry has never been funnier as Joe. The apathy he has towards both his own son and grandson is worth the price of admission streaming alone. But seeing the way he takes matters into his own hands - after being on the sidelines for more than twenty years - truly makes the film feel fresh. For a character who has always been all talk, it’s hilarious to finally see him put his money where his mouth is. In one of the film’s most memorable sequences at a confederate bar, he becomes as laser-focused at eliminating white men as Django and John Wick combined.
For the first time in a long time in the franchise, the humor is secondary to the message. As always, there are some very overt opinions Perry shares through the main characters. But they feel less preachy here because they are critiques of the oldest and youngest generations, which the two protagonists happen to each be a part of. For example, B.J. blames Joe’s generation for ruining the economy and the ozone, while Joe constantly reminds him that being book smart is not the same as gaining life experience. Both are right, but the scale tips a bit in Joe favor because the film’s underlying theme is the importance of understanding your past so that you aren’t doomed to repeat it.
As insane, funny and out-of-touch Joe may be, he is not ignorant. Without giving too much away, Perry proves it with a twist that is simultaneously ridiculous, unexpected and perspective-altering. If you’ve seen any of his last non-Madea movies, then you know that’s saying a lot.
Despite the film’s strong message, it still does suffer from some of the problems as Perry’s other films. For instance, the film takes too long to get started. Additionally, the characters never actually arrive at a college. Considering Madea’s movies are notorious for over-promising with their titles, this isn’t a complete shocker. However, you’d be surprised to discover there’s very little road in the movie too. Not to say that any movie with the word “road” in its title should be Mad Max, but the trip that they take feels more metaphorical than physical.
Lastly, the film’s third act with a very shameless deus ex machina that makes it look like Perry had no other way to end the film. It only further proves the consistent complaint that Perry should probably have more help writing these films. One can only imagine how much further the franchise might go if only Perry had a writer’s room.
Joe’s College Road Trip may be a bumpy ride at times, but it’s still a fun detour for the Madea franchise. Whether or not it’s timely message resonates with you. It’s proof that this universe - and especially its most underrated characters like Joe - still have some untapped mileage.