Tyler Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail” is like watching two rough drafts instead of one polished product.

Written, produced, and starring Perry as the gun-toting grandma, “Madea Goes To Jail” is a drama disguised as a comedy.

On one hand, Perry reintroduces essential characters from past stage and film productions who deliver amusing, if not calculated, humor. Cora (Tamela J. Mann) and Brown (David Mann) are Madea’s relatives who fail miserably at containing her spontaneous rage which lands her in prison-again.

We learn through an opening montage that Madea is no stranger to the streets.

On the other hand, the film is a story of redemption through forgiveness.

Keshia Knight Pulliam, best known for her role on “The Cosby Show,” stars as Candace, a self-destructive prostitute who interrupts the lives of engaged lawyers Linda (Ion Overman) and Joshua (Derek Luke).

Interposed between light-hearted scenes of Madea’s antics are scenes featuring Candace struggling to overcome her demons.

One moment the audience is laughing, the next they’re anxiously watching Candace being rescued by Joshua.

There is never a moment where the film feels like it’s progressing naturally. So when Joshua’s care for Candace borders on the romantic, a series of events unfolds that is as upsetting for the audience as it is for the people involved.

Joshua’s fiancée Linda is determined to get Candace away from him even if it means putting her behind bars.

Perry is known for injecting a dose of spirituality into each of his projects.

Even though Madea would rather drive by a church than sit in a one, she is quick to dish out wisdom whether people like it or not.

Nevertheless, in this case, the method nearly defeats the message.

Pulliam’s performance is gritty but fits awkwardly between other characters, some of whom can handle the heavy material and some whom clearly cannot.

When the two storylines finally do connect, the comedic and dramatic actors merely share the same space instead of communicating.

Followers of Perry will undoubtedly appreciate another film adaptation of his popular plays but will notice its lack of refinement. The feel-good conclusion feels good of course, but is far too brief to be great. Perry’s Madea is a strong character that can’t be subdued by even Dr. Phil, who makes an appearance as her anger-management counselor. However, even Madea is not strong enough to carry this movie.