Watch Mama, I Want to Sing!

"Mama, I Want to Sing!" is a 2011 musical drama film about a young gospel singer, Amara Winter (played by Ciara), who is torn between her passion for music and her mother's dream of her becoming a doctor. The movie is based on the hit off-Broadway musical of the same name. The film opens with a young Amara performing in her church choir and impressing the congregation with her vocals. Her mother, Lillian Winter (played by Lynn Whitfield), who is also the choir director, is determined to see Amara become a doctor and urges her to put her music aside. However, Amara's talent catches the attention of music producer, Luther Jennings (played by Patti LaBelle), who offers her a record deal and invites her to perform in his show in New York City.

Amara jumps at the opportunity to pursue her music career, but her mother is less than thrilled. Lillian believes that the music industry is filled with temptations and distractions that will ultimately steer Amara away from her dreams. However, Amara's father, Reverend Winter (played by Billy Zane), supports her and urges Lillian to let Amara follow her passion.

As Amara navigates her new life in New York, she faces various obstacles, including a jealous fellow performer and the pressure to conform to the music industry's standards. She also sparks a romantic connection with Jesse Jordan (played by Hill Harper), a famous R&B singer who is also Luther's son. However, Amara's relationship with Jesse is complicated by his own struggles with fame and the expectations placed on him by his father.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with themes such as family, tradition, and pursuing one's dreams. The movie portrays the challenges that come with balancing personal desires with familial expectations, as well as the importance of staying true to oneself.

The musical numbers in "Mama, I Want to Sing!" are a highlight of the film. The gospel and R&B-infused soundtrack features performances from Ciara, Patti LaBelle, and other notable musical artists. The movie's music is both inspirational and entertaining, capturing the spirit and energy of the story.

Overall, "Mama, I Want to Sing!" is a heartwarming and uplifting film that celebrates the power of music and the importance of chasing one's dreams. The performances are strong, the music is infectious, and the story is engaging. Whether you're a fan of gospel music, musicals, or feel-good films, "Mama, I Want to Sing!" is definitely worth checking out.

Mama, I Want to Sing! is a 2010 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.