The Lifetime film Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story shares the journey of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, offering viewers a look into the rise of the beloved Latin freestyle singer Lisa Velez. Directed by Tailiah Breon and produced by Lisa Velez, Toni Menage, and Twinkie Byrd, the film tells the story of Lisa’s early challenges, her exciting discovery by DJ and producer Jellybean Benitez, and her rise to success in the vibrant 1980s music scene. The cast features Jearnest Corchado as Lisa Lisa, Bre-Z as Toni Melange, and Terence Williams as Mike Hughes, along with others.
The film highlights Lisa’s determination, the challenges she encountered as a woman in the male-dominated music industry, and her strong friendship with Toni Melange. The Lisa Lisa Story Review showcases the movie’s emotional depth and engaging performances, while also touching on the challenges of fame, betrayal, and resilience. This biopic features strong performances and an engaging storyline, providing an inspiring glimpse into the life of one of the most influential artists of her time.
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story Review
A Journey from Dreamer to Superstar!
The movie begins with 15-year-old Lisa Velez, a bright young girl from New York who has big dreams of succeeding in the music industry. She makes a daring move by sneaking backstage at a club to sing for DJ Jellybean Benitez. He was really impressed by her raw talent, so he decided to give her a chance to record in a studio. With the support of her friends Mike Hughes and Alex “Spanador” Moseley, Lisa’s exciting journey to stardom begins.
But, things don’t quite go as planned. At first, producers have their doubts about the group’s potential, but Lisa’s undeniable talent wins them a record deal. With her mother’s hesitant nod, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam come to life. The movie then picks up speed, showcasing their rapid ascent in the mid-1980s with popular tracks like I Wonder If I Take You Home and Can You Feel the Beat.
Friendship, Fame, and Betrayal
One of the most delightful aspects of the film is Lisa’s friendship with Toni Melange. Toni, a talented singer, joins the group as a backup vocalist and becomes Lisa’s dearest friend. However, some tensions begin to arise within the band, as the male members, especially Mike Hughes, feel that Toni is stepping a bit beyond her role.
Toni’s increasing influence causes some tension in the group, resulting in her eventual departure from the band—without Lisa being aware of it. This betrayal really affects Lisa, but her challenges continue beyond that. As she navigates through personal and professional challenges, she receives a diagnosis of breast cancer. Even so, Lisa is still set on making her dream of performing at Radio City Music Hall come true.
The Harsh Reality of the Music Industry
The film embraces the more challenging moments of Lisa’s journey. It highlights the challenges faced by female artists, the expectations to fit in, and the unhealthy relationships that can be found in the industry. Lisa is shown as a determined individual, confidently standing up to male-dominated record executives and industry gatekeepers who try to undermine her.
There are also some heartfelt family dynamics at play. Lisa’s relationship with her mother is an important aspect of the story, with Lisa Velez taking on the role of her mother. At the same time, her challenging relationship with her father and conflicts with her older brother bring depth to her character’s journey.
Standout Performances
Jearnest Corchado shines as Lisa Lisa, beautifully embodying her vibrant personality and strong determination. She brings such a lively spirit to the role, capturing Lisa’s ambition, struggles, and moments of vulnerability in a truly genuine way. Bre-Z is just as powerful as Toni, showcasing the character’s journey from a streetwise hustler to a polished performer. Their chemistry on screen truly brings their friendship to life in such a genuine and warm way.
Terence Williams and Isaias Alexander Miranda do a great job bringing Mike and Spanador to life, with Williams taking on the role of the more assertive member of the group, often finding himself in conflict with Lisa and Toni. Miranda, on the other hand, takes a more balanced approach, occasionally siding with Mike but mostly remaining neutral.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film does a wonderful job of highlighting Lisa Lisa’s rise to fame, though it does breeze through some key events a bit quickly. Since the runtime is just 1 hour and 27 minutes, some parts of her story seem a bit hurried. It would have been great to see a deeper exploration of the conflict between the band members, her relationship with Javi, and her struggles with cancer.
Even so, the movie shines with strong performances and a captivating story. It beautifully showcases Lisa’s influence on the music industry and also brings attention to the challenges that female artists encountered in the 1980s. The heartfelt bond of her friendship with Toni brings an extra dimension to the story, transforming it from merely a biopic about a singer into a beautiful narrative of resilience and sisterhood.
Will Toni Melange Survive? Exploring Her Fate and Potential Reconciliation with Lisa
One of the most touching parts of the film centers on Toni Melange’s struggles after being let go from the band. Feeling let down and adrift, she finds herself reaching for drugs once more. Her struggle with addiction brings her to a close call with overdose on her father’s couch—an event that feels even more tragic because her own father provided her with the drugs and appeared indifferent to her well-being.
We’re so glad that Toni makes it through the overdose and eventually gets back on her feet. Lisa, even with her own challenges and the ups and downs of the industry, always stands by her best friend. Lisa and the other person come together again, with Lisa providing her steadfast support. Their bond is truly special, and in real life, Toni eventually takes on the role of Lisa’s manager, highlighting how their friendship has endured over the years.
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story Ending, Explained
The movie’s final act beautifully leads to Lisa Lisa’s dream of performing at Radio City Music Hall. Even while facing cancer and dealing with the challenges of the music industry, she remains determined to overcome any obstacles in her path. The concert is such an exciting moment in her career, showcasing her determination and love for music.
At the end of the film, Lisa gives an unforgettable performance, showing everyone that she is not just a passing star but a true icon. The movie wraps up with a heartwarming scene where Lisa and Toni, now more resilient than ever, look back on their journey together. Toni coming back as Lisa’s manager shows that they’ve worked through their challenges together. The film inspires viewers, honoring Lisa Lisa’s legacy as a pioneer in the music industry.
The movie may not dive into every detail of Lisa Lisa’s life, but it beautifully captures her spirit, determination, and the strong bond she shares with Toni. The ending gives fans a warm sense of reassurance that, despite the challenges, Lisa’s journey is all about triumph and perseverance. This makes Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story a delightful watch for music lovers and dreamers everywhere.
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