Praise This

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.

Jess is the best character. She's the reason for the season. It was cute and enjoyable to watch. Better than some movies out these days. But seriously, Jess is the best character in this movie. Giggled throughout the whole movie because of her. The quips in it were pretty funny. Was not a fan of Chloe Bailey's character, idk too cocky. But I still love her and girl can sang <3.

Break every chain oil factory!!!! Break it and keep it broken.

Favorite line "cousin sister" and the two random ladies who play commentary remind me of the podcasters from pitch perfect. Honestly, their characters should've had a podcast with their commentary.

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 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!

In the midst of movies and shows where it seems like you need to have background knowledge in order to fully enjoy it, movies like "Praise This" are a godsend (no pub intended).

As someone who isn't a Christian (or any of the other denominations), this movie does not feel like it's trying to shove any beliefs on you as much it's trying to instill faith in yourself and it's a message anyone can be told.

Chloe Bailey kills it as Sam who is ambitious to a fault. Anjelika Washington as Jess is the weird black girl energy I have not gotten in movies and I desperately need.

All of the cast plays the roles they've been given well. My personal highlights being Druski as Aaron, Jekalyn Carr as Kiki, Loren Lott as Kelly, and Koryn Hawthorne as Fallon.

I think my favorite thing is that it didn't linger on the falling apart drama that feel good movies have to have. Listen I know I'm probably alone on this but I hate something having drama just because the plot needs it.

But it is believable because Sam's character is portrayed as a hurt person who doesn't seem to have issue with using others because she thinks she's fighting life all alone.

If you like fun jukebox musicals that are similar to Pitch Perfect, then you should definitely check out this movie.