Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story

Despite a strong and talented cast of some of my favorite actors, this movie falls flat. It is long on exposition and extremely short on story, painting the subject with the broadest strokes and failing to flesh her out as a complete character. It had all of the melodrama, flatness, and subtlety of a Tyler Perry morality play without any of the comic relief.

But all is not lost, watch it just to see and hear Ledisi tackle some of the most loved and classic gospel songs that Mahalia made famous. She tears at them with both hands and wrenches out every nuance possible and will have you rewinding some songs to hear them again.

I like Singer Ledisi but she not only doesn't look like mahalia she doesn't sound like her. She also is not the same size as mahalia. Ledisi has big bug eyes..they rushed this movie.it would've been a good movie if they made it about someone else and not mahalia.theu didn't think this movie through. I liked the movie they did last year with Danielle Brooks at least she was close to looking like her.the young Mahalia Jackson and the older haf resemblance of Mahalia.the hair styles and clothing didn't match the times. I wish they would've done better with this movie. I just didn't get it. It didn't pique my interesr.

Follows the successful career of Mahalia Jackson, as well as her singular friendship and devotion to Martin Luther King Jr. And her unsung contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.

This is Ledisi's second time playing Mahalia Jackson, the first being in the 2014 film Selma, both with powerful voices. Directed by Denise Dowse in her directorial debut, as well as her only directing credit before her death in August 2022. Mahalia's life story is so grand that it would not fit into a film, granddaughters of slaves, orphans at 5, beatings, religious extremism, a singer for fish and bread (= for crumbs). 'Queen of Gospel' sang for God and blessed us all...

All too often biopics use salaciousness to maintain the audience's attention. Not the case with this movie. Familiar themes such as love, family, loss, perseverance, resilience, civil rights, and social Justice, and are woven into a glorious tapestry of hope, potential fulfillment, and a life of purpose. Ledsi and Columbus Short are standouts supported by and an outstanding supporting cast. While it started a little slow, the music and script provided seamless transitions as Mahalia's life story unfolded. Ledsi embodied Mahalia. Columbus was uncanny in his portrayal of Martin Luther King. It was also wonderful to see Janet Huber back on the screen.

Truly, there was only one Mahalia Jackson. However, Ledisi is very good in this. I love seeing her stretch her vocal ability. I give a 9/10 for being a convincing Mahalia.

I wouldn't go as far as putting her speaking voice in the same category but Ledisi is playing her part. I also the story is a 10/10. It's quite a bit more interesting than looking for portrayal flaws.

I also like the cast!. It is so well rounded! I love veteran actors and actresses! I like seeing folks of color working. We're on TV Y'all!

I would hughly recommend this movie. The nostalgia alone will take you there. Highly recommended!