Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story

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.

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!!

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.

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 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.