The Color Purple movie musical lands superb Rotten Tomatoes rating following first reviews
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The Color Purple movie musical has landed a superb Rotten Tomatoes rating following its first reviews.
Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the stage musical of the same name, the movie tells the life story of Celie Harris, a Black woman living in the American South in the early 1900s. It comes nearly 40 years after the 1985 film version of The Color Purple, which starred Whoopi Goldberg as Celie.
Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the new film stars Fantasia Barrino as Celie (with Phylicia Mpasi as a young Celie) alongside Ciara as her sister Nettie (with The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey as young Nettie). Colman Domingo portrays Celie's husband, Albert "Mister" Johnson.
So far, the musical has garnered largely favourable reviews, receiving an impressive 84% fresh rating (from 56 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes as of December 19. While most critics praised the film, others weren't as blown away.
Related: 11 great movies with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating
Here's what the critics had to say:
The Washington Post
"Whenever [Colman] Domingo is on-screen, he commands your attention, a triple threat of singer, dancer and actor."
USA Today
"From a huge Gramophone to a dizzying array of showstopping pants, the movie musical of The Color Purple may be a different experience than previous versions but it's no less breathtaking or vital."
Beyond the Trailer
"A powerful and electric film, this is an amazing theatrical experience. Director Blitz Bazawule delivers a lavish old school Hollywood musical, yet also the most modern and honest adaptation of The Color Purple to date. A must see."
Feelin' Film Podcast
"An absolutely dazzling and emotionally stirring knockout. Its tremendous ensemble cast, dynamic direction, and musical numbers that soar make for a bold retelling perfect for introducing a new generation to this powerful coming-of-age tale."
The A.V. Club
"Barrino barely gets out from under the long and formidable shadow of Goldberg's star-making performance. She delivers 'I'm Here' with clear voice and potent emotion, but the indifferent framing doesn't do much to keep the performance in memory."
Slant Magazine
"The film lacks the passion and the perspective to make the words and tunes truly resonate."
The Color Purple movie musical arrives in US cinemas on December 25 and opens in the UK and Ireland on January 26, 2024.
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