Praise This

I love a good African American movie, especially with great vocals - but very different from the usual gospel music we hear in church. Don't get me wrong, I like the twist when they changed some "bangers" into gospel music, but it felt more like a hip hop movie... if my church sung these typa songs, you'd see me attempt to break dance rather than praising. The movie showcased what we have in the usual church; the gossipers, the haters and, the sinners; it's sad but true because Christian's are not perfect, no one is. Overall it was a good movie, but I wish we got to see Chloe be more vulnerable with God.

Chloe stole the show. This movie shows how talented she is, with an ability to act, sing, and dance like her mentor (Beyoncé). The movie is a journey through faith where the character Chloe plays has some trials and tribulations she must sort through. And just like many us, when we first turned the corner to get on the right track, we may have made a mistake or two. In this movie, Chloe stole the show. Literally. You have to watch the show yo catch it. But this is a good movie for the entire family. I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of some of the gospel greats of this era (Ms. Carr & Ms. Hawthorne). It's a movie that mirrors life. Broken people in search of a perfect God. Save the judgment for King Jesus.

I was really happy to find a gospel movie on a mainstream platform, but there's way too much cussin in this movie for it to be Christian. I don't understand why you would have a ton of cuss words in a Christian movie. As a Christian, I don't listen to things like that in movies or music or in any other way. Not all black people cuss and not all black people want to hear that. The acting and plot were decent but I really could have done without all the sexual innuendos. I try to support black projects but this one made it difficult only because of the filth that could have easily been left out.

Greetings again from the darkness. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another faith-based film aimed at pre-teen African Americans, especially girls. Writer-director Tina Gordon understands the audience for her film, and smartly uses music and an immensely talented singer (or singers) to convey the message. Where this one seems to go off-track is having four other co-writers involved: Camilla Blackett, and the Murder Ink writing team of Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana, and Jana Savage. We don't know who wrote what here, however since very few scenes or lines of dialogue strike as realistic, it seems a broad brush of blame is deserved.

Sam (5-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey) is on her way from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Her mother died a year earlier, and she's been a hand full for her frustrated dad (Philip Fornah) since. He's hoping her psychologist Uncle (Kendrick Cross) can reach her in ways that he hasn't been able to. Sam has a rebellious streak and is an aspiring singer-songwriter. Her cousin Jess (Angelika Washington) is over-the-top energetic and upbeat, and thrilled to have her "Sister Cousin" join her in The Oil Factory, the gospel singing group run out of the church headed by Pastor Goodman (Tristan Mack Wilds), a reformed man himself.

Prior to Sam joining, The Oil Factory flops at a performance so badly that they likely missed out on a participation trophy. Of course, Sam sees herself as too cool for gospel, but crossing paths with rising star Ty (rapper Quavo) provides an opening, and Sam's amazing talent immediately makes this rag tag group a contender at the competitions. And you can surely guess that along the way, Sam has the opportunity to learn some tough life lessons.

One might think this sounds eerily similar to PITCH PERFECT (2012), but what's missing here that was present there, is comedy that works and characters that can be related to. This film offers up a slew of characters, but only Sam and Jess are given even the slightest chance to create a full person. The rest are simply chess pieces in a formulaic game that lacks a punch. On the bright side, despite the presence of multiple pastors, very little actual preaching occurs. And there is a glimpse at the contrast between powerhouse (mega-money) churches, and organic congregations sharing a purpose.

Despite the many flaws and disappointments, we are left with no doubt that Chloe Bailey is the real deal as a singer. The script lets her down in being unable to convince us that her character Sam has matured and learned her life lessons well, but there is a message here, no matter how choppy and fragmented the presentation plays out.

Streaming on Peacock beginning April 7, 2023.

I love the fact that it clears up the concept that if your saved your perfect and a hypocrite if you mess up. The fact that it used a song platform for this was a great way to show that God can use anyone to carry out his will. Sometimes when we are being used by God we may not have a relationship at first, but eventually he touches every persons heart in someway to show them the path to accepting his love for us. Repentance comes at times we least expect it! The movies is a feel good movie yes, so the critics will never site this as a good movie but it was and I'm sure if you watch it you will too!