by Patrick & Millie Detry for Heartandsoul.com
Sometimes the music can lift you higher than you’ve ever been. That was the goal of PRAISE YOU! And, it accomplishes that goal.
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chlöe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father (Philip Fornah; Richard Jewel, Better Call Saul), worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess (Anjelika Washington; Stargirl, Tall Girl franchise), Sam is …not happy.
Beginning with the drive to Atlanta with her parents, you can see a troubled and angry young lady, with talent, going to live with very happy family, almost too happy and religious. That family dynamics, sets the tone. Force to go to Church on Sundays, claiming she doesn’t believe in God, tells you something have to give.
The turning point, Sam & Jess, lies to Jess parents, that they are going to practice in their youth choir, Oil Factory, instead they go to the party of a successful rapper artist played by Quavo. Sam sees this as an opportunity to get famous at any cost. But first, the party is shut down by the police, who take them home and she and Jess are grounded by Jess’ parents for lying about where they were going.
As punishment, they now have to be part of the Oil Factory youth choir. She shows flashes of great talent, but doesn’t accept who she is.
Sam’s journey is motivational and uplifting. It shows that the road to success doesn’t come via short cuts, greed, stealing, or selfish motives. It comes through true honesty and trusting in God, accepting who you are, not blaming others for the situation you’re in.
The unfolding story shows the cutthroat elements in the Gospel Youth Choir Praise teams, looking down on other Christians because you believe you deserve to win, because you are better.
The true gift is Sam can sing, but, must first come to terms with her own self doubt and that God is there for her, she just has to accept God and her gifts.
A running theme in the story, the Bishop and his wife who believes this is their birthright to win, and not accepting another minister because he doesn’t look the part and he has tattoos.
The ending is awe inspiring, where Sam is asked to lead the Choir, she asks forgiveness from her fellow youth choir team, they tell their transgressions. Reunites with her father. Then go on stage to sing, win the competition. The Oil Factory youth choir team then starts singing, go off stage, to invite the other contestants to join in PRAISING the LORD. Except the one who felt it was destiny to win first place, she refuses to accept not winning because of her shallowness, and leave the room, while others joyously celebrate their journey.
ABOUT PRAISE THIS:
Sometimes the music can lift you higher than you’ve ever been.
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chlöe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father (Philip Fornah; Richard Jewel, Better Call Saul), worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess (Anjelika Washington; Stargirl, Tall Girl franchise), Sam is …not happy.
But when Sam is forced to join her cousin’s struggling, underdog praise team in the lead-up to a national championship competition, she sees an opportunity to finally make her dreams come true. What she discovers, though, is that ambition can command a high price and that praise is not about glory, but gratitude.
The film also stars comedian Druski (House Party, The Crew League), Grammy nominated hip hop sensation Quavo (Atlanta, The Crew League), Grammy nominee Tristan Mack Wilds (The Wire, 90210), Birgundi Baker (The Chi, Black Lightning), Loren Lott (Tag, The Young and the Restless), Kiara Iman (Resentment), newcomer Ilario Grant, Crystal Hayslett (Sistas, Zatima), Cocoa Brown (9-1-1, Ted 2), Vanessa Fraction (Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Mann and Wife) and Grammy nominated gospel stars Jekalyn Carr and Koryn Hawthorne.
Praise This is produced by Will Packer p.g.a., whose films include Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, Breaking In, Stomp the Yard, Little and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office; by Tim Story, blockbuster filmmaker of Barbershop, Shaft and the Ride Along and Think Like a Man franchises; by Sharla Sumpter Bridgett (executive producer Wild Hogs, Coach Carter) and by James Lopez (Beast, What Men Want).
The story is by Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana & Jana Savage, the writing team collectively known as Murder Ink (#Reality High), and the screenplay is by Tina Gordon and Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana & Jana Savage. The film is executive produced by Preston Holmes (Till, Night School) and Johanna Byer, executive vice president of motion pictures for Will Packer Productions.
ABOUT THE FILM:
- Launch Date: April 7, 2023
- Director / Writer: Tina Gordon
- Executive Producers: Preston Holmes, Johanna Byer
- Produced By: Will Packer, Tim Story, Sharla Sumpter Bridgett,
- James Lopez
- Starring: Chloe Bailey, Druski, Anjelika Washington, Quavo, Tristan Mack Wilds, Birgundi Baker, Crystal Hayslett, Loren Lott, Jekalyn Carr, Koryn Hawthorne
