Yes, the plot is minimal and formula. Of course Cuba's going to hook up with the girl. Of course, they'll win the competition. But that's not what the movie is all about. It's music and specifically Gospel. This movie has all kinds of Gospel; Traditional, Modern Urban, R&B-related and, yes, Christian Rap. Even if you're over 30, this movie will change your mind about Rap.
Of course, Beyonce can't act. She's wooden and needs acting lessons. Who cares? The woman can sing and that's what the movie is all about. It's my first time to see Beyonce do Gospel and she does a decent job, showing the right emotion. Most Top 40 musicians can't make that transition. See Fighting Temptations as a Gospel celebration with a movie placed haphazardly in the way of the musical numbers.
Back to the writing. One quibble is that you never get "slain in the Spirit" in a Baptist church. You've got to go to a Pentecostal church for that one. My other quibble is some of the comments by contributors who identify themselves as African-American think the rest of us won't get it because it's "too in". Actually, hypocrisy, greed, lies and credit card fraud cuts across all cultures and races. And, Oh yeah, every male is into booty. Nothing especially African-American about any of that.
I'm in danger of repeating myself but, trust me on this, see it for the music.
Of course, Beyonce can't act. She's wooden and needs acting lessons. Who cares? The woman can sing and that's what the movie is all about. It's my first time to see Beyonce do Gospel and she does a decent job, showing the right emotion. Most Top 40 musicians can't make that transition. See Fighting Temptations as a Gospel celebration with a movie placed haphazardly in the way of the musical numbers.
Back to the writing. One quibble is that you never get "slain in the Spirit" in a Baptist church. You've got to go to a Pentecostal church for that one. My other quibble is some of the comments by contributors who identify themselves as African-American think the rest of us won't get it because it's "too in". Actually, hypocrisy, greed, lies and credit card fraud cuts across all cultures and races. And, Oh yeah, every male is into booty. Nothing especially African-American about any of that.
I'm in danger of repeating myself but, trust me on this, see it for the music.