The first film in the ultra-successful Madea franchise, written by and starring Tyler Perry. It is inspired by the play of the same name. Charles McCarter (Steve Harris) and his wife Helen (Kimberly Elise) are about to celebrate their 18th-wedding anniversary when Helen comes home to find her clothes packed up in a U-Haul van parked in the driveway. Charles is divorcing Her. Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea (played by Perry), an old woman who doesn't take any lip from anyone. Madea helps Helen through these tough times by showing her what is really important in life.