Madea comes to theaters early

Theaters showing Tyler Perry's "The Family That Preys," which opens Friday, will show a sneak peek of the third installment of his popular Madea movies, "Madea Goes to Jail." The movie isn't due out until Feb. 20, 2009.

"For countless fans, Madea is like family," said Tim Palen, co-president, theatrical marketing for studio Lionsgate, of the tough-talking grandmother audiences love and critics lambaste.

In contrast to the heavily comedic Madea movies, "The Family That Preys" stars Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard in a drama about two families from different social classes.

The Madea movies are historically box office successes. "Madea's Family Reunion," debuted at No. 1 in February 2006, following the No. 1 debut of "Diary of Mad Black Woman" in February 2005. The two were made for a combined $11 million and grossed $150 million total.

Perry plays Madea as well writes and directs the movies.