This version was “authorized” by Franklin, who blessed Jennifer Hudson for the title role. There are similarities and vast differences in this 2:30 version vs. the National Geographic series Genius: Aretha (my review). That one spent more time on the early gospel circuit, while this one just references it, along with virtually no mention of the years after the LP/movie Amazing Grace (my review). That’s because the NatGeo project was produced by Clive Barnes, who apparently saved those records for his series. After moving from her childhood (featuring spectacular vocals from Skye Dakota Turner), this movie follows Franklin as she rises to fame. Those sequences are like a concert with Hudson singing Franklin’s early hits almost back to back. The singer’s troubled personal life is chronicled with extended segments dragging down the pace. Of course, Hudson nails the songs with power and her dramatic segments are her strongest work yet. Forest Whitaker (as her father) is OK, while Audra McDonald (as the mother) makes a magnificent impression in her brief scenes. Anyone looking to learn more about this icon will certainly find new information, but as a dramatic experience, the film is a “respectable” biopic.

Movieland link