STYLE: Drama RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 95199-DVD527 LABEL: Tyscot TYS9841869 FORMAT: DVD Film ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2010-09-20 RRP: £14.99
Reviewed by Keren Perrott
Few would deny Deitrick Haddon's gift as a gospel artist and fans will have understandably high hopes for this, his first feature film in which he acted and co-scripted. Haddon wrote the story as a modern day account of the Biblical story of Saul and David and he plays the lead character, singer Dwight Hawkins, who is propelled to gospel stardom and then faces betrayal by the bishop of a local church. Haddon has previously explained his desire to portray human nature in the context of God's grace and sovereignty. Unfortunately, in spite of his best efforts, the central tenet of the film is rather lost amidst the clunky direction and complication of too many sub-plots competing for attention. The intentions are good and there are glimmers of real substance but overall the plot is confusing, the acting patchy and the cinematography disjointed. Gospel lovers and fans of Haddon will try hard to enjoy this movie and it's really his musicianship and the supporting cast of award-winning gospel stars including Kiki Sheard and Sheryl Lee Ralph which hold the film together. It's a happy ending but the soundtrack is the redeeming feature of the film and if you really want to enjoy Haddon's talents, my advice would be to buy the soundtrack.
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Product Description
Pain, Deceit and Triumph are just some of the plot twists in this highly anticipated movie.
A modern retelling of the dramatic Biblical account of Saul and David, BLESSED & CURSED stars gospel music sensation Deitrick Haddon in his first feature film as Dwight Hawkins, an incredibly gifted young man who is searching for his purpose. As a boy, Dwight witnessed his father’s dream taken away in an instant. Compelled to help his father, Dwight must choose between family obligations versus his own dreams of gospel music superstardom.
Against his girlfriend’s advice he takes the position as the new minister of music at one of the most respected ministries in the country, but this new position is too good to be true. Dwight finds himself entangled in a diabolical scheme of jealousy and betrayal orchestrated by the church’s Bishop. As he encounters setbacks and unexpected surprises Dwight learns that sometimes you don’t grow until you are pushed into a position of leadership