This should have been a series. There is far too much to cover when it comes to the Clark Sisters. From Matties relationship with her husband and her diabetes, Twinkies emotional breakdown, Dorindas suicidal ideation, Denise leaving and her 7 kids, Karen's stay in a coma for WEEKS & so much more. Everything was skipped. It's like they pressed fast forward. They deserved better than this. Their stories together and individually are so important to tell especially for the black Christian community. However I did enjoy it, especially the wonderful vocals by the actresses. But the Clark Sisters deserved so much more.
17 Reviews
Great movie but should have been longer
Luvya011713 April 2020
The last quarter of the movie felt extremely rushed and didn't provide the details of the events it mashed together at the end. Wish they would have done a 3 part movie similar to some of BETs past movies because this story definitely deserved it. Overall though awesome movie and all the ladies did great. Wonderful singing and beautiful tribute!
Tastefully Done!
masterreadingforlife12 April 2020
Many times a biopic will play up the drama and sensationalize the subjects' lives. In this instance, I felt like I got what I came for...yes, it was a "musical", it's the CLARK Sisters. But I also got a glimpse of the struggles of being great. Any time you have a group of relatives in business together, there will be misunderstandings, misuse of each other, and mistakes. But God. If you persevere by His Anointing and not just relying upon your weak humanity, you will fulfill God's purpose for your life. I enjoyed it very much. I will take 2 stars for the lack of development/depth of certain character arcs. But overall, a well done effort.
Praise worthy
Alwnva13 April 2020
Aunjanue Ellis is the most underrated actress in Hollywood! She turns out great performance after great performance. The movie as a whole was entertaining and educational. I had no idea of the turbulence they endured. My only criticism would be I wish that there was more music. The music is what made them stars. But I won't end on that note. The casting was spot on. KeKe did her mom proud and Amber Riley was on point as Denise. Well done to all!
Heartfelt
charmaineross-6692715 April 2020
Worth the 11 Year Wait
utpoym12 April 2020
I had been waiting for this movie since the Clark Sisters were featured in Season One of Unsung. I was not disappointed. The casting, acting, and singing was phenomenal. Shout out to Aunjanue Ellis who embodied the very essence of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. It's a trojan's task to weave a storyline that featured 6 principles - Dr. Clark, Jackie, Twinkie, Denise, Dorinda, and Karen. Mission accomplished as every second of the 2:30 production moved us through the storyline. The production team on screeen and behind the camera created an experience that had me glued to my seat. Job well done!
A job well done!
beau-6797014 April 2020
This was a good biopic by biopic standards; good casting, acting and singing. Aunjunue (possibly a misspell) Ellis is a force to be reckoned with. She bought a believability to her role as a mother. The only criticism I have is that it felt rushed towards the end and there were certain character developments that could've been pushed more.
NB: Amber Riley was not in this film. The actress who played Denise Clark is NOT Amber Riley!
NB: Amber Riley was not in this film. The actress who played Denise Clark is NOT Amber Riley!
Solid TV movie
TamPalm12 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Hits-EXCELLENT singing. Great acting. Engaging enough to capture the viewers' interest throughout. Refreshingly PG in an age when most new offerings go out of their way to be offensive or push an agenda. Was definitely the kind of movie that could bring in diverse audiences with its general themes and historical angle.
Misses-Overly long. Some of the writing felt incomplete, the plot not fleshed through thoroughly. Examples: 1) The matriarch's first marriage wasn't ever shown and yet it produced one of the Clark singers. And there was a brother birthed from the first marriage and that was mentioned literally NOWHERE in a film that otherwise went out of its way to show how much the mother loved (and fulfilled her dreams through) her children. 2)Denise's leaving the group was not fully explained, seemed to come out of nowhere and was reduced to one blowup scene at a deal signing. Similarly, her sisters' hostility towards her even to the point of shunning her at their mom's funeral seemed out of place. There was nothing shown that would have led to that. 3)Twinkie's abandoning her mom even after the mom fell ill wasn't fully explained. Where did the hostility come from? It wasn't addressed. 4) And what happened to the man Twinkie was shown to go away with? Did they marry? Have a kid? Just a few holes that could have been filled in a two hour plus movie had the writing been a little tighter.
But those details are in the weeds. From a 20,000 foot view, this movie was memorable. It had interesting subject matter and good actors to deliver it. Ultimately a feel-good movie at a time when the world needs just that. It's clear Lifetime is rebranding itself to include more urban content, which is okay if it continues to produce high quality offerings like this.
P.S. A minor squabble, I wish it had showcased one of the Clarks' best songs-"Expect a Miracle." Would have been the icing on the cake. 😉
Misses-Overly long. Some of the writing felt incomplete, the plot not fleshed through thoroughly. Examples: 1) The matriarch's first marriage wasn't ever shown and yet it produced one of the Clark singers. And there was a brother birthed from the first marriage and that was mentioned literally NOWHERE in a film that otherwise went out of its way to show how much the mother loved (and fulfilled her dreams through) her children. 2)Denise's leaving the group was not fully explained, seemed to come out of nowhere and was reduced to one blowup scene at a deal signing. Similarly, her sisters' hostility towards her even to the point of shunning her at their mom's funeral seemed out of place. There was nothing shown that would have led to that. 3)Twinkie's abandoning her mom even after the mom fell ill wasn't fully explained. Where did the hostility come from? It wasn't addressed. 4) And what happened to the man Twinkie was shown to go away with? Did they marry? Have a kid? Just a few holes that could have been filled in a two hour plus movie had the writing been a little tighter.
But those details are in the weeds. From a 20,000 foot view, this movie was memorable. It had interesting subject matter and good actors to deliver it. Ultimately a feel-good movie at a time when the world needs just that. It's clear Lifetime is rebranding itself to include more urban content, which is okay if it continues to produce high quality offerings like this.
P.S. A minor squabble, I wish it had showcased one of the Clarks' best songs-"Expect a Miracle." Would have been the icing on the cake. 😉
Too Much Singing With A Choppy Storyline
zac-6827412 April 2020
This bio-pic was comparable to a musical. Movie failed fans and viewers with jumbled unanswered snippets of their lives. Writing was substandard even for Lifetime! Someone please let the writers know Communication is our partner and clarity is our friend!
Great
klindsey-2185612 April 2020
Wow!!! I love the Clark sisters. I learned a few things that I didn't know. And to the critics who say its too much singing, then you really shouldn't comment, because they are a gospel singing group. Singing is what they do. I actually loved the movie.
Too many unanswered questions
nonofyurbuz14 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Good movie, great acting, too many unanswered questions.
Where did her daughter come from was she her bioligical or adopted daughter, why were there friction with her daughter, when & what happened to mom's health, Karen health issues, contracts issues? Too many to name.
Movie really felt rushed after Mother's death. Overall, it kept me watching but it could have been done in parts.
I Loved It
mrbiggierm12 April 2020
Great cast and acting!
Iwatchedthismovie12 April 2020
Well Done Thy Good And Faithful Severant
corabeauty13 April 2020
The singing was superb and indeed examplied the reason for calling The Clark Sister's The First Ladies Of Gospel Music. The acting was in place as well. It flowed like a river and was as natural as the raise of sun. " Brilliant"
Cora Harrell
Cora Harrell
Love it
charleen-2440625 August 2020
Their Ministry is the difference for me
yatesh11 May 2020
To learn the story behind my lifetime of strength, breakthroughs and encouragement from every voice in the Clark Sister Family, I watched it twice yesterday and will be watching again. I Served over 20 years as an Army Combat Medic and coped with learning to live without my Dad since the age of 5. Many challenges came, but these sisters sang from record, to cassette, to CD, mp3, streamed Google Play and via Youtube. They were present, and even now I enjoy their ministry by listening and viewing as often as I need to. They are ministers 1st and I just have to say, the word fan couldn't describe me. I've always felt that they were sisters I would be excited to see and could have the simplest of conversations with, because every word sung, they are real. If I never meet them, I believe I know this beautiful Family. My life's theme has been their song, "The Darkest Hour is Just Before the Day." Not only are they the Royals of Gospel, they are the difference in my life. Thank you for sharing. I believe I now know why I've been kindred in Spirit since first hearing their voices. Salute!
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