Watch Little Richard

Little Richard is a biographical film about the flamboyant rock ‘n’ roll icon, Little Richard. It chronicles the life of Richard Penniman, from his childhood in Georgia to his rise to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. The film begins with a young Richard, played by Leon, growing up in Macon, Georgia. His family is deeply religious and disapproves of his love for music, especially rock ‘n’ roll, which they see as the devil's music. However, Richard is determined to pursue his dreams and becomes a regular performer at local nightclubs.

As Richard becomes more successful, he begins to experience the prejudice and discrimination of the Jim Crow South. Despite the obstacles he faces, Richard refuses to compromise his identity and continues to perform in a flamboyant and unapologetic manner.

The film also delves into Richard’s personal life, including his complicated relationship with his father and his struggles with drug addiction and sexuality. Jenifer Lewis delivers a powerful performance as Richard’s mother, who supports her son but also struggles to reconcile his behavior with her religious beliefs.

One of the highlights of the film is the music. Little Richard’s hits, such as “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” are featured prominently, and Leon does a fantastic job capturing Richard’s energy and charisma on stage.

Throughout the film, Carl Lumbly appears as an older version of Richard, providing commentary on his life and career. These scenes provide insight into Richard’s legacy and impact on rock ‘n’ roll.

Overall, Little Richard is an engaging and entertaining biopic that captures the spirit of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic figures. The film paints a portrait of a complex and flawed individual who overcame adversity to become a true master of his craft.