A História de Mahalia Jackson

Not sure what I expected, but this exceeded my expectations. I remember hearing Mahalia as a child and thinking, "wow!' Nice movie about a HUGE voice. Nicely told. Doesn't dig too deep, no foul language, or sex. Just the facts about her life and faith. Mahalia Jackson was a real treasure. Big Gospel voice. Even if you are not into Gospel, look her up! If you've never heard her sing, look her up on a music app. Deep, liquid velvet voice. Wonderful biopic, good acting. Wish we could have more movies like this one. It's not an academy award winning film. It's just really enjoyable. Thank you, Hulu. Job well done!

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.

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.

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!