[minnosh_ext_dropcap font-size=”75″ font-weight=”700″]I[/minnosh_ext_dropcap]f you’re like me and consider the 90s a “golden era” for both Hip Hop and R&B, then you were probably anxiously awaiting the premiere of the TLC biopic, “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” that aired on VH1 last night. Starring Drew Sidora as Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Keke Palmer as Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and Lil Mama as the late, Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes, the documentary style movie gave fans and music lovers an inside look at what it was like to be a part of one of the best-selling female groups of all time.
The movie, which gave a brief history of each of the girls backgrounds, did a pretty good job of narrowing down twenty plus years into two and a half hours. After getting past a bit of overacting on behalf of Drew Sidora and Lil Mama (it was very clear that Keke Palmer is the seasoned actress out of the trio), all three actresses were believable as T-Boz, Left-Eye and Chilli. However, Lil Mama definitely deserves props for portraying a very convincing Left-Eye, managing to capture the late rapper’s mannerisms, on-stage energy and over the top personality.
While the film was very believable, there were a few parts that were just a little hard to swallow. Even after breaking it down in the movie and in real life, it is still hard to believe that the trio was as broke as they claim after headlining a world tour and winning numerous Grammy’s and MTV awards. And although I’m not suggesting that the movie would have played out much differently if Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes were still around, you can’t help but to wonder how her side of the story would have influenced the film. For instance, throughout the movie Left-Eye was the only person ever seen drinking alcohol and partying (or turning up as the kids nowadays like to say). I can’t imagine that she was always solo in her pursuit of a strong drink and a good time; I could be wrong though.
When it was all said and done, “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” gave us a glimpse into the pitfalls of the music industry, as well as a candid look at the lives of three young girls who worked very hard to become one of the most innovative girl groups of our time. Through hard work and determination, TLC was able to make timeless music while dealing with health issues, heartbreak, and the many trials that go along with friendship in the public spotlight. If nothing else, the biopic is motivation to anyone who has a dream and the courage to chase it until it is realized.
