Little Richard
Little Richard
PG-13 | 20 February 2000 (USA)
Little Richard Trailers

The story of Little Richard Penniman, from his poor Southern upbringing to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a Black singer in the 1950s, to his born-again phase and brief "retirement" from rock and roll.

Reviews
Hellen I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much
ThiefHott Too much of everything
GazerRise Fantastic!
Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
hot_in_pink_hate_red I honest NEVER knew that the same guy who was in Madonna's Like a Prayer' music video and was Leila Rochron boyfriend in 'Waiting to Exacle' could do such a wonderful job playing Little Richard. The film shows Little Richard life as being both happy and at times sad. The relationship with his father is somewhat like that of Michael Jackson and his father-but VERY MUCH different. Little Richard grows up as a Christain and is taught NOT to listen to music such as Rock n' Roll. But he CAN'T help himself to fall in love with it and become a Rock n' Roll star. His sisters are happy that he fulfilled his dreams but his father still thinks he made a big mistake. When Little Richard becomes the big music star that he is, even his own mother is amazed and proud of what her son has achieved. The rest of the film shows Richard as a sweet, naughty, and at times, broken. Leon did a wonderful performance as Little Richard and HAD the film been made for the screen, he would surely of been nominated for an Oscar.
nneprevilo This portrayal of Richard Penniman as a skirt-chasing dandy is completely the opposite of what I've seen of Little Richard all these years. Also, having friends in show biz who worked with and knew him well, this is a movie about somebody else! The only "hints" we get of his homosexuality are the knowing glances between Richard and his young singing mentor, who told him he needed to record. Yes, his behavior ranges from "regular guy" to "somewhat effeminate," but the character is inconsistent.Good lip-syncing by Leon and nice acting from Jenifer Lewis, as his supportive mother. Other performances were stereotypical, but the story does give us a clear picture of how black stars were cheated by low-down record shysters and literally robbed by white artists like Pat Boone, Georgia Gibbs and Gale Storm.
Andrew Shepherd I've seen enough of both Little Richard in interviews and in performances and enough of poor Leon pigeonholed into these 50s/60s musical bio pics to know that Leon was not the right actor for this role. Leon was so right as David Ruffin in The Temptations, but fails utterly to capture the essence of Little Richard in this film. Actor Miguel Núñez who played Little Richard in "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" was a much more suitable choice, having pulled off the musician's powerful but effeminate persona. If the performances are unconvincing then the film will be as well. And this is what has happened here. Glossed over or missed entirely are LR's forays into homosexuality and voyeurism. What "The Temptations" did so well in capturing the rise of the group, warts and all, this film misses by a wide mark.What is going on with director Robert Townsend who started off so well with "The Hollywood Shuffle"? He's a talented, funny guy but hasn't delivered anything near that first effort.
Michael O'Keefe This is a very interesting story about the "Queen" of Rock 'n' Roll Little Richard Penniman. This movie stays true to the little I've researched. Actor turned director Robert Townsend gives us an intimate look at one of the founders of the music that changed the world. His abusive childhood to his bizarre beginnings in show business and his bowing out of an astounding career to preach the word of God. Then his energetic, but slightly noticed comeback. Thanks to Little Richard for "Lucille", "Long Tall Sally", "Tutti Fruitti" and his other hard, pulse pounding anthems. Leon is excellent in the starring role. Also of note in this biopic is Carl Lumbly, Tamala Jones, Anthony Griffith and Jonelle Kennedy. If you love Rock 'n' Roll and enjoy backing up your brain to its foundation you will enjoy LITTLE RICHARD.