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.

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.

I love, appreciate, and understand everything about this movie. My nervous anticipation was worth the wait. Fantasia, of course, had to ACT-out her role, even though, it was true-to-life. This is what made it even greater, because, she didn't seem to be ACTING! The Icon, Veteran Super Actress, Loretta Devine; with Veteran; Kadeem Hardison, along with that stadium security guard and the boyfriend (whom I've seen "somewhere"), all succeeded in making a movie that I hated to end. Even her Project single mom friends, schoolmates, and teacher were so real and non-acting like. This movie should be a great inspiration for ANYBODY to want to do better and strive for a better life. I'm especially happy for Fantasia and her family.

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.

Well I must say that this movie was a tear jerker for me. Very well written and despite Fantasia not being "real actor", I'd have to say it was very well done. Image Award Performance...including the "hoochie" parts. Surrounded by a good cast didn't hurt. The cast, including the wonderful Viola Davis, I knew it had to be good. (Viola is the best crier I've ever seen, never fails to move me)...The scene where Fantasia enters the church....oh my goodness.......The scene in the kitchen with Fantasia, Viola and Loretta....Let's just say, get your box of tissues.... It was of no surprise me when Fantasia was the American Idol of 2004 and I think she will be the most remembered. As a matter of fact, a lot of us knew you won the minute you opened your mouth on American Idol....but back to the movie....it is a must see. Debbie Allen, you did a great job at this one. Please keep them coming...Please.