DVD Corner

Mama, I Want To Sing DVD Review

“Mama, I Want To Sing” is a preachy faith based drama.

“Mama, I Want To Sing,” which is based on a stage musical of the same name, is a made for DVD cheapie about a family that grows apart. Amara is a singer whose career is taking off, Amara’s mother is a popular televised Reverend Dr., and her brother is a photographer on the rise. With all three family members leading a different life, their relationship has become strained. Is the family losing sight of what is important to their lives (namely religion and family)? Can the family put aside their differences?

For the most part, I’m fine with faith based films that have positive messages. They may not be my cup of tea, but I respect that the films have something to say. With that said, I do not like films that beat you over the head with religious themes. Subtle religious undertones are acceptable, but “Mama, I Want To Sing” is not the least bit subtle. This film wears religion on its sleeve. From having a Preacher character to name dropping the Lord constantly, this film presents its messages and themes in a truly unconvincing manner. No family talks or acts like these characters in real life. Award winning writing, this is not.

The cast doesn’t exactly help the film much either. Ciara, while a talented singer, does not exactly have the acting skills of a singer/actress like Jennifer Hudson. In fact, her acting can be downright cringe-worthy when trying to handle deeply dramatic moments. As for Lynn Whitfield, she goes over-the-top with every single scene. Nothing is sincere or real about this performance. She tries too hard here and it shows. Last, but not least, there is Billy Zane. When he showed up as a diva record label owner, I knew this film was doomed. Embarassing.

Summary: See it at your own risk.

Video/Audio:

The film is presented in 1.78:1 and while the transfer is decent, the film is cheap looking. The digital video recording is fairly low quality and the cheap sets/cheap production values don’t exactly help matters either.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 is surprisingly a little flat. Considering how much music is in this film, I expected better.

Extras:

The only extra is a trailer for “Love Begins.”

February 16, 2012 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Ciara, I Want To Sing DVD Review, Mama, Patti LaBelle