Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

Danielle Brooks was great ! However could've been greater but I felt like she wasn't directed right. Reading some of Mahalia's story key characters missing from this story ! From what I have read she never spoke to Mildred after their falling out so that end scene is disappointing and then a very abrupt ending!!! I understand this is TV movie therefore will not have the same level of budget as movie however just felt like it could have been great movie the potential was there ! It felt censored almost ! I would've like to see more about her involvement in civil rights movement her relationship with JFK etc.

When I purchased this movie, I doubted it had the budget to capture the talent of Mahalia Jackson. Her voice is one of a kind. However, I was surprised to find Danielle Brooks has a fantastic voice! Nobody can replicate Mahalia, but that's true of all the greatest singers. Brooks is a great singer in her own right and captured just enough of Mahalia to really make the movie work. The film features a great singer and also captured the dynamic personal life of Mahalia.

Danielle did an awesome job playing Mahalia. She really brought Mahalia alive and well in 2021. I had heard that Danielle could sing, but that girl can saaannnggg. She's also a really talented actress. I really enjoyed all the actors (but not the portrayal of Martin too much), not really sure why he didn't quite fit me. But nevertheless, it got a 10/10 from me. Was it a totally accurate story w/o a little embellishment, absolutely not, but pretty accurate and on point,

A film critic could perhaps pick holes in this as a movie.. but as a musical it was sublime. It brought tears to my eyes.

I have not heard much of Mahalia Jackson's music but the singing in this film would make your hair stand on end Alright, I am a sucker for stomping blues/gospel music and this delivers it in abundance I am still winding down.. Someone above said it was not gritty... well from what I have read her life was not gritty, although she suffered a deal of sorrow her faith kept strong.

I bought this and it took me a few days before I watched it. I cried, I laughed and loved the performance of a beautiful voice I remember from the past and one for 2021 in Danielle. I will watch it again and again.