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.

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 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.

I enjoyed this film as it showed a story of Fantasia I was unaware of. I watched her win American Idol and thought she was the best winner ever! I had no idea about her story and watching her singing on idol her background was irrelevant to me at the time. All i knew was that she had the most amazing voice, comparable to Aretha in many ways.

In this film she came across as a naive misguided girl who although she seemed to have a supportive family, she chose to live on her own in poor conditions.

I thought all the supporting actors did an amazing job also. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes biopics or films about music or about black people in general.