Aaliyah is yet another trashy “biopic” (loosely) that doesn’t really have much to offer. The performances aren’t anything exceptional (even Alexandra Shipp didn’t have the charisma) but I can’t place that much blame on the actors with a bad script and generic made-for-TV direction.
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
(2014)
Genre(s): Drama, Music
Lionsgate | NR – 88 min. – $14.98 | March 10, 2015
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MOVIE INFO: Directed by: Bradley Walsh Writer(s): Christopher John Farley (book “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman”); Michael Elliot (teleplay) Cast: Alexandra Shipp, Rachel Crawford, Cle Bennett, Lyriq Bent, Sterling Jarvis, Elise Neal DISC INFO: Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1) |
** Click Here to Purchase Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B on DVD from Amazon.com **
THE MOVIE – 4.5/5
Plot Outline: Self-proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah led the royal R&B scene before Beyonce and Rihanna attained their status. With her sexy tomboy style and infectious confidence, she ruled the charts as one of the recording industry’s most successful artists in history. But there was much more to Aaliyah than choreographed dance moves, movie roles, and a celebrated voice. Based on a “true story” (I added the quotes), Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B embodies the soul, determination, and challenges of Aaliyah Dana Haughton (portrayed by ALEXANDRA SHIPP), from the beginning of her career to her tragic death at age 22.
Quick Hit Review: Lifetime biopics don’t usually have high standards and this one on Aaliyah is no different, though as bad as it is, it’s somehow still better than The Brittany Murphy Story, but that’s not saying much. This movie, though, doesn’t have much to offer both in performances, though I suppose Alexandra Shipp – who has been cast as Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse – wasn’t half-bad considering the piss-poor screenplay and standard direction.
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.25/5
This release comes with a matted slip cover. Inside is a Digital Copy redemption code. The only feature is Beyond the Headlines: Aaliyah (40:22), a special on the late singer/actress that, IIRC, aired before or after the “biopic” on Lifetime.
VIDEO – 4.0/5 | AUDIO – 3.5/5
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B is presented with an anamorphic 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio and a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 track which helps with the songs and offers clear enough dialogue levels.
OVERALL – 1.5/5
Overall, Aaliyah is yet another trashy “biopic” (loosely) that doesn’t really have much to offer. The performances aren’t anything exceptional (even Alexandra Shipp didn’t have the charisma) but I can’t place that much blame on the actors with a bad script and generic made-for-TV direction.
Published: 03/21/2015