Review of Tennessee (2008) by Ceph J — 03 Feb 2010

Mariah Carey shows us she can act. She shows some deep emotions which rise above this mediocre screenplay. She plays a a waitress in an abusive marriage who longs to be a singer. Too bad the movie isn't about her. Instead, it's about 2 brothers played by Adam Rothenberg and Gregory Peck's grandson, Ethan. Peck has leukemia and Rothenberg can't be a donor. So what do they do? They travel to TN in a broken-down car to find an abusive father to donate marrow. On the way, they find Carey whose role is written like an "angel"--in other words, she ensures they get to TN. Oh, there's more. Her abusive husband (Frank) played by Lance Reddick looking like ET, pursues them but then leaves when he hears Carey sing. You see, all she had to do was sing to him at home.

The movie asks us to shed tears when Peck dies at the end. No way. I was left wondering how Lee Daniels ("Precious" director) produced such an overwrought screenplay. It might be perfect for a tv movie though.