Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story

I have a new found respect for Miss Fantasia! Not only did she do a wonderful job playing herself, but you are left inspired by her story.

This movie was well casted and directed brilliantly by Debbie Allen. Lorretta Divine is just that! Kadeem Hardison is a riot and adds comedic flavor to the mix. Viola Davis is a joy to watch as Fantasia's mother. Thomas Hyde III does a nice job in the supporting role of her brother.

There are wonderful musical segments that enhance the story as well-just enough that it doesn't take away from the plot.

This is something that you just have to see for yourself. I suggest you have a box of tissues next to you.

Fantasia, you are an inspiration to me. You did a wonderful job acting. I am looking forward to seeing you more often on television. Thank you Debbie Allen for directing this wonderful movie. Fantasia, you are my American Idol! I do not care what anybody says. I will buy and support every CD or movie that you are in. I have had struggles in my past also and overcame them. Fantasia, continue to keep it real and be yourself. You are a beautiful person with a sweet personality. You deserve all the blessings that have come upon you. I was also happy to see Kadeem acting as Fantasia's father. You go Kadeem! The whole cast was wonderful. Debbie Allen, you are a wonderful director. Keep doing what you are doing. I will buy and support all your work also. I think America needs more movies like this because there are so many young people who needs to see inspiring movies like this.

I loved this movie. Fantasia's story is a real and true story of many. I really love how she was able to relive some awful times that she encountered. I must say there was some age issues for me. At times you could not tell how old she was, and when she was supposed to be playing herself as a teenager she was given a very heavy southern accent. Another aspect of the movie I really enjoyed was the singing of Loretta Divine and the actress that played Fantasia's mother. Kadeem Hardison did a great job playing a strong father as well as a young father. Little Indyah Hanshaw was wonderful. I hope to see her in many more films, commercials, the works!!

While I thought Fantasia did a wonderful job of portraying herself, in what had to have been a deeply cathartic experience for her, I felt that the show overall, specifically the part dealing with American Idol, was handled in a very unsatisfying, shallow and superficial way.

I was looking forward to this part of the story, most of all, to see, in a little depth, what went on inbetween her actual appearances on the show, but we got none of that, just a bunch of the TV clips strung together, and the next thing we know, she's up there with Diana DeGarmo waiting for the Finale result.

The ending, also, was completely unsatisfying; it felt as if it were tacked on as an afterthought.

Fantasia's story is an inspiring one, there's no question. It's a story that deserves better a telling than this.

Your real-life story really touched me. Fantasia, I commend you for believing in yourself and for having the strength, faith and support to tell your story, our story. I can definitely relate to your life as I went through similar events at an early age as well. Being a young, single parent of 2 by the age 17, high school drop out, and was also in an abusive relationship. There were times when I did not know if I was coming or going. It really took me back and hit close to home. Life is a race and it consist of hurdle after hurdle. YOU just have to choose whether you jump over it, walk around it, or do nothing at all. Thank you for taking that "JUMP" and facing your hurdle! After watching your story, I have decided to go back to school and get my GED. Thank you Debbie Allen and Lifetime for allowing Fantasia to tell "OUR" story. Good luck to you and much success.