Well, everyone, today, we review one of two musical films that was released during the Christmas holiday season. Interestingly enough, one of them was released on Christmas Day. Go figure, eh? Anyway, let’s review what is apparently a remake of a 1985 musical drama film. Presenting to you all my review of the 2023 version of The Color Purple!
Plot: Set in Georgia in 1909, the movie revolves around teenager Celie Harris-Johnson (Fantasia Barrino), and her sister, Nettie (Halle Bailey). Shortly after Celie marries local farmer Albert “Mister” Johnson, who turns out to be a psychopath, circumstances cause Mister to separate Celie, and Nettie, and not see, or talk to each other, despite Nettie attempting to write letters to Celie that Mister hides for a long while. In spite of this situation, and the hardships that are occurring in Georgia during this period of history, will Celie, and Nettie ever be able to reunite with each other in the end?
Disclaimer: Before I start this review, I thought I’d begin by letting you all know that I never saw the 1985 version of this movie. Because of that, I will not be making any comparisons to it, or saying whether that version was better, or vice versa, or anything like that. Well, with that out of the way, on with the rest of the review!
I have to say that though this film may not be one of the most memorable musicals, mainly due to there being some heavy subject matters in this movie, The Color Purple, or the 2023 version, does have a few memorable numbers, particularly “Mysterious Ways”, “Keep It Movin’”, “Maybe God Is Trying To Tell You Something”, and “The Color Purple” to name a few. And I suppose, since words like “heck” weren’t used quite as much in a time period like this, I suppose it was understandable for the people to sing “Hell no” in a musical number that was titled “Hell no!” rather than them saying “Heck no!”, you know? Oh, and did I forget to mention some of the cool choreography that went along with some of the numbers? Though some of that might not be memorable, there were a few standout moments when it came to that aspect of the music, and film overall. Additionally, in all honesty, depending on people’s tastes, being if they like movies with more mean people, and violence, or if they like films with more lighthearted subject matters, your enjoyment of The Color Purple will probably depend on your movie taste in that regard. Also, presuming that there were scenes of sex that were implied, it was good for those scenes to most likely be implied rather than shown, and thrown in your face like in many other newer movies made in this day, and age. So, kudos to the filmmakers on that! The acting was also really great, especially from Fantasia Barrino, Colman Domingo, and Halle Bailey. Honestly, though, one of the major highlights of The Color Purple would be the fact that’s this movie even briefly talks about God, and faith, and things like those. I mean for a film like this to talk about The Lord, and faith in God, and things like that even a little bit, wow, that definitely serves as a big bonus, wouldn’t at least some of you say? One final thing for positives is that The Color Purple ends up providing some very valuable lessons that range from how even really, really cruel people can change, that people need to stand up for themselves, and to others from time to time, that God can, and will bring good even out of the most difficult situations, and lessons like those.
Honestly, I will say that though a lot of the characters are memorable, and some of the songs are good, the film, overall, can still end up being a little too heavy-handed at times. I mean the film may be a little too over the top with the violence, and the story may feel a little too sad, and depressing at times. To be honest, if it weren’t for the musical numbers in this movie, especially some of the of the more memorable ones, The Color Purple probably wouldn’t be that fun of a film to watch. Now, am I saying that this film is okay, or average because of that? No. In fact, the numbers, and some of the more uplifting messages that this film has help keep this movie from being either mediocre, or even a bad film period. And thank God too! I even heard that the 1985 version was way more sad than this 2023 version ended up being in the end. If that’s true, then most likely all the more reason to appreciate this film even more? Most likely! Then again, I will need to see the 1985 version to make that final call in that regard. For now, at least we do have this 2023 version to appreciate.
And that’s my review for the 2023 version of the musical film, The Color Purple. Though it has some really heavy subject matters, and can be a little too dark, and depressing at times, this movie is still very enjoyable. Yes, it is the numbers, one, or two funny moments, and some uplifting messages that will help one enjoy this film even more. My advice would be to see this film at maybe a cheaper price, or see it for free if you have the AMC Stubs deal, or something like that. You’ll definitely enjoy things like what I mentioned before, and some of the choreography. Just don’t expect as good of a musical like Sound Of Music, or Greatest Showman, or a really good musical like that kind of level. Still, definitely see The Color Purple, and see what you think!
Final Grade: B
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