Amazing Grace

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Amazing Grace
Starring Aretha Franklin
When The Queen of Soul visits a local Baptist church, you can expect some Holy Ghost fireworks - and that's exactly what happened when Aretha Franklin attended the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972 for two days to record her gospel album "Amazing Grace," which would go on to earn the legend another Grammy, become her highest selling album ever, and also the highest-selling Gospel album of all time.  With the aid of the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Alexander Hamilton and featuring her band - along with legendary gospel artist James Cleveland - "Amazing Grace" transcended other gospel recordings because she recorded it live in a church in front of its church-going audience.

The recording was filmed and meant to be released with the album, but due to audio synchronization problems it was never rendered, and sat on a shelf at Warner Bros. for 35 years - until now.  The film serves as the perfect companion to the perfect album, sung by one of the most perfect artists ever, and shows that God is everywhere - even in your living room, especially when you pop this gem in.  Seeing Franklin belt out gospel hymns is awe-inspiring, but it's more than just a mere concert for her and those around her - it truly was a church service in every sense of the word.  You feel the power in her vocals expressing God's love, and its truly a one-of-a-kind experience.  Aretha Franklin is gone, but her presence will transcend time.

The film is extremely simplistic - it's really a musical documentary that is shot entirely in the confines of the church, and while there's supporting players, it's Franklin's presence that obviously steals the show.  She sings some of the most beloved gospel classics, and does so with gusto and brevity, as you see sweat droplets dripping down her face as she unabashedly professes her love for her original singing venue, and will move you not just from her singing but a special arrival of her preacher father who gives a stirring word all his own.  Then there's the signature song, as she delivers the classic "Amazing Grace" with her own R&B style that once again proves why she was - and is - the Queen of Soul.

If you're looking for an uplifting movie to fuel your spirit, "Amazing Grace" should be at the top of the list, due to Aretha Franklin's ethereal singing that captures your soul and transcends you to the presence of God Himself.

The Score: A+

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