The Color Purple 2023 Film Review by Tree King

Since the pandemic, I still hadn’t been to a movie theater, but I just had to see what the buzz was all about on the remake of 1985’s The Color Purple. Everybody I knew wouldn’t stop talking to me about it (frankly it drove me nuts). All of the comments on “how good it was” and “how the movie was so different than the Broadway musical” eventually made me curious enough to check it out. I must say, I was extremely entertained by an incredible display of music and choreography. The opening with Tamala Mann was so moving, what a powerful vocalist!  I was so surprised to see this take on the Broadway musical use several different twists and turns in the adaptation. It made me feel so emotional – happy, sad, joyful, tearful, and everything in between!

The film was extremely well done! Scott Sanders did a fabulous job with the soundtrack; it is incredible! The film had my attention from the opening to the closing credits! The soundtrack features songs by Alicia Keys, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Tamela Mann, Mörda, Brenden Praise, Keyshia Cole, Ludmilla, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Mary Mary, Missy Elliott and the film’s actors Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Fantasia and Ciara. Talk about star-studded!

The cast was mind-blowing, with so many stars: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, and Jon Batiste just to name a few! Fantasia Barrino in the leading role of Celie was astounding! Brooks and Barrino reprise their roles from the productions of the stage musical.

If you enjoy musicals and great productions, I highly recommend this film.  I can’t wait to see it again!

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