By Zack Medicoff

In DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS, Tyler Perry writes a story that’s easy to relate and simple to film. It’s a movie of hope; a family event that could have just as easily been an “Afterschool Special.” There's no cussing, no violence and no real John Singleton-style death-making.

The movie surrounds a single dad, Monty (Idris Elba), who loves his kids. He’d never hurt them, and only wants to protect them from the evils that lurk outside. But he’s only one man — a guy struggling to find his way and bank that his hopes and dreams will one day transpire to his children. His ex-wife, Jennifer (Tasha Smith), is a tattered soul who falls prey to the dark allures of a vicious world that sees no morality or righteousness. Smith — who is quite beautiful in real life and is a close friend of supermodel Tyra Banks — does a great job of appearing strung-out and disheveled throughout the film.

In the middle of all this are Monty’s three beautiful daughters. They fall into their mother’s custody as the result of a mishap that occurs while their dad is working late as a chauffeur. He can’t truly defend his case because he can’t afford a lawyer.

Lucky for Monty, his client that fateful night was high-powered attorney, Julia (Gabrielle Union). She’s a single 30-something lawyer who, along with her friends, seems to mirror an African-American version of SEX AND THE CITY. There is one good line when Julia tells her gal-pals that she’s falling for Monty and one of them says something to the affect of, “He was supposed to be driving you, not riding you.” Touché.

If you’re in need of a little inspiration, this movie will deliver. The church scene just did me in because now I don’t really feel like attending next Sunday’s sermon; I just got my dose from writer/director Perry.
Louis Gossett Jr. does a fine job as Monty’s boss, who is on the verge of retirement as an auto mechanic. Gossett doesn’t overextend himself so that the spotlight is taken off Elba. But hey, a marquee name doesn’t hurt, right?