Janet Jackson got rid of MJ anger in Perry film

Janet Jackson has revealed she got rid of the "pent up anger" she felt after Michael Jackson's death by working on a movie.

The US singer and actress is one of the stars of Why Did I Get Married Too? Janet appears in several emotionally charged scenes, but had no trouble summoning tears and says breaking down actually helped.

"I was going through a tough period at that time because my brother had just passed. It was very cathartic to be able to release," says Janet, 44.

The film sequel, written, directed by and also starring Tyler Perry, follows a group of friends as they go on their annual couples' retreat to improve their relationships. Janet has a more substantial role in the drama than in the first instalment and was pleased when she discovered the dark direction her character takes.

"I absolutely loved it. Tyler told me that he was going to make some twists and turns and that I was going to go places that I hadn't gone before. And when I finally read it, I really got excited," she says.