Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story (2006 TV Movie) User Reviews (12)

Fantastia is great in this, but. . . .

[Rogue-32 · 4/10 · 22 August 2006]

While I thought Fantasia did a wonderful job of portraying herself, in what had to have been a deeply cathartic experience for her, I felt that the show overall, specifically the part dealing with American Idol, was handled in a very unsatisfying, shallow and superficial way.

I was looking forward to this part of the story, most of all, to see, in a little depth, what went on inbetween her actual appearances on the show, but we got none of that, just a bunch of the TV clips strung together, and the next thing we know, she's up there with Diana DeGarmo waiting for the Finale result.

The ending, also, was completely unsatisfying; it felt as if it were tacked on as an afterthought.

Fantasia's story is an inspiring one, there's no question. It's a story that deserves better a telling than this.

This was made into a movie on purpose?

[kirknclaysmom · 1/10 · 9 November 2007]

I must say I can't imagine someone picking this "story" as worthy of a movie. Lifetime has so many amazing movies and stories about true life crimes and stories and this is so not one of them. I do feel sorry for the little girl who did not ask to be brought into this world or to have the way she was brought into this world on display for all her friends to see. It is very sad that this is what America wants to see and this is the idea of a role model. Reading and Writing are so important and what happened to getting married and having children? This whole story is not something that needed to be praised. Someone wrote a book for this girl and then they decided to make it into a movie and then to make matters worse, the girl portrayed in the story played the role in the movie. Would you like more clarification? How much are you going to glorify this terrible example for our youth? Lifetime movies are usually a 10+ but this one ranks on the negative scale in a huge way.

Wow!

[binasings · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

I have a new found respect for Miss Fantasia! Not only did she do a wonderful job playing herself, but you are left inspired by her story.

This movie was well casted and directed brilliantly by Debbie Allen. Lorretta Divine is just that! Kadeem Hardison is a riot and adds comedic flavor to the mix. Viola Davis is a joy to watch as Fantasia's mother. Thomas Hyde III does a nice job in the supporting role of her brother.

There are wonderful musical segments that enhance the story as well-just enough that it doesn't take away from the plot.

This is something that you just have to see for yourself. I suggest you have a box of tissues next to you.

Tear Jerker

[SRLReeves · 10/10 · 20 August 2006]

Well I must say that this movie was a tear jerker for me. Very well written and despite Fantasia not being "real actor", I'd have to say it was very well done. Image Award Performance...including the "hoochie" parts. Surrounded by a good cast didn't hurt. The cast, including the wonderful Viola Davis, I knew it had to be good. (Viola is the best crier I've ever seen, never fails to move me)...The scene where Fantasia enters the church....oh my goodness.......The scene in the kitchen with Fantasia, Viola and Loretta....Let's just say, get your box of tissues.... It was of no surprise me when Fantasia was the American Idol of 2004 and I think she will be the most remembered. As a matter of fact, a lot of us knew you won the minute you opened your mouth on American Idol....but back to the movie....it is a must see. Debbie Allen, you did a great job at this one. Please keep them coming...Please.

The Fantasia Barrino Story...this really hit home for me....

[laugustus708 · 10/10 · 20 August 2006]

Your real-life story really touched me. Fantasia, I commend you for believing in yourself and for having the strength, faith and support to tell your story, our story. I can definitely relate to your life as I went through similar events at an early age as well. Being a young, single parent of 2 by the age 17, high school drop out, and was also in an abusive relationship. There were times when I did not know if I was coming or going. It really took me back and hit close to home. Life is a race and it consist of hurdle after hurdle. YOU just have to choose whether you jump over it, walk around it, or do nothing at all. Thank you for taking that "JUMP" and facing your hurdle! After watching your story, I have decided to go back to school and get my GED. Thank you Debbie Allen and Lifetime for allowing Fantasia to tell "OUR" story. Good luck to you and much success.

Great story!!

[hanshawluv · 10/10 · 21 August 2006]

I loved this movie. Fantasia's story is a real and true story of many. I really love how she was able to relive some awful times that she encountered. I must say there was some age issues for me. At times you could not tell how old she was, and when she was supposed to be playing herself as a teenager she was given a very heavy southern accent. Another aspect of the movie I really enjoyed was the singing of Loretta Divine and the actress that played Fantasia's mother. Kadeem Hardison did a great job playing a strong father as well as a young father. Little Indyah Hanshaw was wonderful. I hope to see her in many more films, commercials, the works!!

I loved "Life is not a fairytale"(the fantasia Barrino story)

[melmepink · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

I LOVED this movie and i love the acting in this movie Fantasia was excellent and she is very beautiful inside and out and the title for this movie fit perfectly and i am really looking forward to seeing another movie with her. Fantasia is such a inspiration to many people with dreams and young mothers she showed that through all the pain you still can make it and be somebody because she is somebody. I just love her like i know her. when i was watching the part when Ryan was announcing the winner it was like deja-vu i was so happy and excited i got a little teary eyed i really loved the movie, and i wish millions of more people will watch the movie it was great, and i wish fantasia could read this to know how great it was.

The Fantasia story is an inspiration

[daricern · 10/10 · 7 September 2006]

Fantasia, you are an inspiration to me. You did a wonderful job acting. I am looking forward to seeing you more often on television. Thank you Debbie Allen for directing this wonderful movie. Fantasia, you are my American Idol! I do not care what anybody says. I will buy and support every CD or movie that you are in. I have had struggles in my past also and overcame them. Fantasia, continue to keep it real and be yourself. You are a beautiful person with a sweet personality. You deserve all the blessings that have come upon you. I was also happy to see Kadeem acting as Fantasia's father. You go Kadeem! The whole cast was wonderful. Debbie Allen, you are a wonderful director. Keep doing what you are doing. I will buy and support all your work also. I think America needs more movies like this because there are so many young people who needs to see inspiring movies like this.

This is not a "Rags To Riches" movie. It's REAL!

[PressPrent · 9/10 · 21 August 2006]

I love, appreciate, and understand everything about this movie. My nervous anticipation was worth the wait. Fantasia, of course, had to ACT-out her role, even though, it was true-to-life. This is what made it even greater, because, she didn't seem to be ACTING! The Icon, Veteran Super Actress, Loretta Devine; with Veteran; Kadeem Hardison, along with that stadium security guard and the boyfriend (whom I've seen "somewhere"), all succeeded in making a movie that I hated to end. Even her Project single mom friends, schoolmates, and teacher were so real and non-acting like. This movie should be a great inspiration for ANYBODY to want to do better and strive for a better life. I'm especially happy for Fantasia and her family.

Life Is Not A Faitytale!

[lbarr22000 · 10/10 · 5 March 2007]

I have read "Life Is Not A Fairytale" and this is an excellent book. I recommend it for all ages, it is an inspiration for everyone that have gone through some of the same things, but didn't know how to come out and tell anyone.

Some people are ashamed of the things that life has sent their way and they are afraid of what other people might say or judge them.

Life Is Not A Fairytale gives you hope and courage. I love this book and I made sure my daughters read the book and watched the movie. Fantasia you are a blessing to a lot of people and you are a beautiful person.

Awesome

[arica434 · 10/10 · 20 August 2006]

This movie was absolutely awesome. I could relate to her regarding some personal trials she went through and it only made me respect her more. The last church scene was spiritually touching!

Fantasia did a great job of portraying herself. You go girl!!!! I was apprehensive about that choice but 'Tasia worked it out! The cast was also well casted. Chico Benymon is such a cutie. I love him from "Half & Half". Also, Kadeem Hardison has definitely grown as an actor. I can now see beyond the "Dwayne Wayne" persona. He IS a grown man now. I'm not familiar with the woman who played her mother but she did an awesome job herself.

It's just a great job done all around. Kudos to Debbie Allen on directing this hit movie!

Great Biopic

[les6969 · 8/10 · 5 August 2013]

I enjoyed this film as it showed a story of Fantasia I was unaware of. I watched her win American Idol and thought she was the best winner ever! I had no idea about her story and watching her singing on idol her background was irrelevant to me at the time. All i knew was that she had the most amazing voice, comparable to Aretha in many ways.

In this film she came across as a naive misguided girl who although she seemed to have a supportive family, she chose to live on her own in poor conditions.

I thought all the supporting actors did an amazing job also. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes biopics or films about music or about black people in general.