REVIEW: THE COLOR PURPLE

3.5/5

Purple Reign.

141 Mins. Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Gabriella Wilson "H.E.R.", Halle Bailey, Louis Gossett Jr., Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Jon Batiste, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor & Fantasia Barrino. Director: Blitz Bazawule. In: Theatres.

Colour your world impressed with this. It's been almost 40 years since Steven Spielberg's 1985 (me and my schoolmates born in the same year are very, very aware of this) coming-of-age epic 'The Color Purple', based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name from Alice Walker that came three years before. So all these decades later, it's high-time for a more vibrant remake in tune with the times we see today, still soberingly reflected in this powerful and painful period piece of brutality and beauty. Whilst Spielberg is remaking other Hollywoodland classics, like the 'West Side Story' musical, he's executive producing this one, alongside Broadway's Scott Sanders, the great Quincy Jones again and Oprah Winfrey, who made her acting debut in the '85 classic next to legends like a breakthrough Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery and the late, great Adolph Caesar. Based on both Walker's book and 'The Color Purple' musical by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Marsha Norman, this is more of a retake than a remake. As delightful director, Blitz Bazawule ('Black Is King') blitzes us with the bold and the beautiful, to have and to hold, like a dance in a bar by the swamp.

In this empire, Lyon's finest Taraji P. Henson, who rarely showed this talent in the show she stole, shows she has another string to her brilliantly beautiful bow with the notes she hits. And boy does she know how to make an entrance in this epic for the new generation where she is queen. That is when the show is not being stolen here by 'Orange Is The New Black' superstar Danielle Brooks with a hell YES. Especially when it comes to her love with Dr. Dre of 'Straight Outta Compton' himself, Corey Hawkins, continuing his unsung heroism in Hollywood. It's his pops, who is played perfectly however, by Oscar favourite Colman Domingo, despite how despicable his cruel character is playing banjo by the rainy porch. Domingo is dominating again. Showing how different he is in this, the 'Selma', 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' amazing actor deserves the Academy Award for Netflix's 'Rustin'. And his callous character still compels you here. As does the 'Roots' of 'A Raisin In The Sun' Louis Gossett Jr., and the perfect Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, introduced to her film debut after becoming a born Broadway star with 'The Lion King'. Singers/actors hit the high notes too. Like Gabriella Wilson AKA, H.E.R., Jon Batiste (whose 'American Symphony' documentary on Netflix is bittersweetly beautiful) and Ciara's critical role that's too sweet to spoil. But in a film that features star turns from Aunjanue Ellis-Tayloy, and 'The Little Mermaid' herself, Halle Bailey, making the first act hers, the best is saved for last. Just like the long slog through the mud and desperation to get to the earned end in the terrific third.

Fantastic. In a word, that's Fantasia Barrino with this formidable performance. The Grammy winner frees herself like a dream girl for her movie making career moment. Aretha Franklin biopic big-hitter Jennifer Hudson has some friendly competition now, with all due respect. A towering, terrific tour de force of great grace under profoundly perplexing pressure. At least give her an Oscar nomination nod like Brooks. Although no poor thing is beating Emma Stone this year. Still, we shouldn't put so much stock in award shows, although the names in the envelope will be remembered for generations to come and IMDB. Great performances of power are exactly that, regardless. To be discovered with immediate effect, or decades later (but, the sooner, the better) by masses of young women and men, previously shunned by their own world's stage, finally inspired to see the, and their own light. That's the wonderful work that is done here, from a brilliant Barrino, turning 'The Color Purple' and its novel and cinematic meets Broadway idea into a fabulous fantasy in amazing amalgamation. And when she sings, it's over. Give her her seat at the table in a fond finale, around one in the garden that blooms with beauty and earned forgiveness after all the forlorn and bad almost lost their souls to the evils of the world. You'll simply shed tears, with no strain or swipe at the eyes, as they just fall down your cheek like this end does into perfect place. But we've already said too much. This American South classic with an Alicia Keys, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and many, many more, like H.E.R., soundtrack needs to be seen for itself. Just like 'The Color Purple'. You have to notice it. As God is my witness. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Color Purple (1985)', 'The Butler', 'Rustin'.