I think this movie should've had a part 1 and part 2. I wanted to see more detail of there childhood, how Bobby treated James, how cruel their father was, and the rise of switch.
I agree with so much. A lot was left out. How the parents met, the racism the couple came up against, the childhood, Switch and so much. I just didn’t like how they just portrayed him just as a addict
@@gwendolynrandle7733 Yep I agree. The whole movie they portray Bobby as drug addict with a hot temper. The only scene in the movie that was interesting was Bobby and James. I really wanted a visual description of how Bobby treated James.
Exactly they tried 2 cram so much n2 2hrs instead of jus showing more of Bobby's life growing up his time wit Switch would've been inportant it was more of like an over all Debarge family movie than a Bobby movie! Like they completely left out him being a well known bisexual and how heavy n2 drugs he really was it felt like they were more n2 making him seem like David Ruffin or Eddie Cain from da 5 Heartbeats! But i do think they did the best they could wit what they had i guess!
@@grandma651 The way James reacted to even being touched by Bobby -- the implication was more sexual to me, that he didn't want Bobby touching him because he had touched him inappropriately before. Also, I saw a documentary on the family wherein Chico claimed Bobby had been sexually abused by the father as well. So much was just not covered and questions remain!
@@grandma651 I also wanted more of his getting to know his wife , but I did enjoy the small part they showed of him and her out on dates and the way he would toucb her face was so beautiful dispite there was no dialogue, it was still so beautiful. ☺
They should have left it alone seriously! It didn't do any justice to bobby nor his family. To tell his story u would have to tell the debarge & switch story & that couldn't have been told in 1hr & some minutes. His mother & other family members wanted nothing to do with this story! Tv One please if u dont have all the correct materials to work with dont bother or maybe it didnt matter as long as the ratings r good. Remember there's multiple sides to a story & u only had his wife , Wow .
I am a real debarge fan i was looking forward to someone making a movie about him. This needs to be redone. Get the people who did the new edition story to help.
The acting was on point. Roshon gave his performance some depth. In his hands, I felt Bobby's pain when he and his brother James had their moment, in his confrontation with his mama, and upon his HIV diagnosis. A lot of folks are bothered by the wigs, but frankly, if you actually look at the DeBarges and their hairstyles back in the day, they were eccentric -- I'm being kind in my word choice lol. So it would be difficult to replicate those styles without bringing that same eccentricity to the movie. The wigs were not so bothersome. What threw me off was the way the story was told and the many, many holes in it. The movie jumped all around with no rhyme or reason for picking up at a particular point. For example, it began on Bobby's deathbed (1995), then jumped to 1980. Why? There was no reason given for this jarring "switch" in time. These jumps happen again and again, though the story does move chronologically forward from this point. Big holes abound, however. For example, the movie does not explain how or why Bobby and Chico became involved in drugs. The movie also irresponsibly suggests that Bobby may have gotten HIV in prison, but that is inaccurate. If he contracted it through IV drug use, the film never shows Bobby engaged in his use that way; he only smokes and snorts. Overall, people who don't know the DeBarges were probably confused about who was who; this wouldn't be so problematic if the film had truly been Bobby's story, but instead it became a mix of Bobby and DeBarge. Did we really need to see James and Janet's meeting and plans to elope? Like so many others who commented, I agree that to do the story justice, at least two parts (four hours) would be needed. Cramming a very complex story and a very complex family like the DeBarges into two hours was such a disservice!
I grew up with the DeBarges!! My favorite characters were Mama DeBarge and James and Janet. They looked and acted just like James and Janet back then (with that shy flirtatious Janet thing). That father was a monster!
Horrible movie. Bad acting. Hair and makeup looks like they’re ready for Halloween. The script is in dire need of doctoring- it’s too disjointed. The overall production is akin to a high school drama. If I were an actor I would not want this movie littering my resume, I would have had to reject this.
The movie was ok, but it should have been a Mimi series. It is from his wife’s perspective, and information Bobby told her. Also info from unsung interviews. She was with him at least from 1986, her oldest son was born in 1987. She stayed with him thru it and til the end. She is a strong woman.
Cynthia Brown He was Bi sexually according to his family and the unsung documentary. I feel like if you’re going to tell his life story, you should tell it all.
The girls who played janet & Latoya should have turned down the parts , u guys knew u were wrong as a matter of fact u were wrong for all the actors & those lazy horrifying wigs. Tv One please pick & research ur projects carefully.
Bobby was abused by his father. Both physically and sexually. His mother reported the incident to th police. But, the police didn't do anything because her husband was white. So the abuse continued. How unfortunate and sad! So the abusee became an abuser. He abused his siblings. Bobby died of Aids. That family suffered many things unfortunately. It's amazing the things they achieved thanks to their mother. The heart of a mother is amazing! This previous thought/sentence is from the heart. I am a mother. I'm glad his physical suffering is over. That family has encountered much. Yet, they have given much to the music industry. They are legends. I also appreciate the love they have for each other. I thank the Lord for the Debarge family! Peace out! The Flower 🌹
Everything about this movie was the epitome of STRUGGLE Budget, script, story development, direction, production design, set design, editing, casting, lighting, sound mixing, performance sequences, WIGS. Debarge deserved better.
I am so disappointed in this movie... I can't say it enough. I recorded it because I was excited that it was happening. However, I immediately erased it because it was a disgrace to his memory...The acting was bad, the wigs were low budget, and the choice of roles were horrible. I mean seriously...you had Bobby as the shortest member of the group with a black mop on his head!!! Stop it. "They'll never be.......
I watched the movie last night and I thought it wasnt bad. In my opinion they did better in comparison to the Lifetime Bio pics. I felt like they couldve told a lot more though.
After reading terrible reviews I finally watched it today. It wasn't horrible like I thought it would be. The actor playing him did a great job for the material he was given to work with. Lots of details left out that would have been better had the film not been rushed. Should be done again to give his life and legacy justice.
I thought is was pretty good. As a life long fan of the family, they covered HER perspective and experience being married to/with him. I’m sure he shared a lot with his wife and SHE shared what was fitting for her and the 2hour time slot w/commercial. I really enjoyed it!
I am not sure about the idea that Teri's book is behind the movie because I don't know of a book written by Teri. Bunny and Mama DeBarge have written books, though. Still, if Teri's perspective is the movie's focus, that's problematic because she only knew Bobby later in his life -- whatever she might "know" about his childhood and life before she met him would be hearsay.
Lecuyer Dooley - You really care huh? Funny how no one respects marriage anymore. Her perspective as his wife, mother of his children and next of kin doesn’t matter huh? Incredible...😂😂😂 People are incredibly lost.
@@thatbemefool Are you obtuse? I never said her perspective doesn't matter. NOT AT ALL. I simply pointed out that she would have only hearsay knowledge of Bobby's childhood or of any events in his life before he met her -- and to be very clear, that was the MAJORITY of his short life. She could certainly have been a guiding force in telling Bobby's life story from the point they met forward because she was there to experience it with him. Outside of that, she's trying to tell a story that she alone cannot tell. His mother, all of his brothers and sisters, his cousins, friends, band mates, etc. have much more knowledge about Bobby's life before he met Teri and their lack of input in this movie shows the consequences of telling a story based on hearsay. THAT was my point. Geez.
@@lecuyerdooley1084, not if it came from Bobby himself. I feel like there were moments when he laid that mop of curly hair on his wife,s breast and told her about the horrible things they went though. I think a scene like that would have been very appropriate , a beautiful moment between husband and wife. A time of sharing and getting to know each other in a non sexual way.
@@slamecatzwell5544 True. If it was Bobby's story as told to his wife, the movie should have made that relationship front and center and given viewers the kind of scene you laid out. It could have even been written so that Teri's voiceover narration lets the viewers know this is Bobby's life as he revealed it to her. But the movie fails to have a coherent narrative no matter whose viewpoint is behind it.
I didn't know Bobby's widow wrote a book! Knew of the three written by his mother, Bunny and his brother Tommy. But, never heard of a book written by her. What is the name of the book? When was it written? Would like to read it.
Reading the comments. This was a great movie, hair on point, actors were great. Alot of people know Debarge, not the older brother or how Debarge came about. Excellent movie👍
My Brother, to begin with I'd like to thank you for being as professional and kind as you were to the memory of Bobby DeBarge. what people fail to realize is that this is very painful for surviving family members. prayerfully no one out there in your audience had this to go through in their youth, but those who have and have yet managed to survive it will understand it's not quite as casual a conversation as the criticizing audience would lead you to believe. in any regard thoughts prayers best wishes whatever go out to the family but they continue to develop their lives and the best venue possible. prayerfully this story is the opening flood gate 2 relieved some of the ugly memories and pain of the past. blessings
That movie was garbage. It did no justice for the Bobby Debarge or The Debarges as a singing group. The acting and the wigs they wore were horrible. The Debarge family including Bobby Debarge story needs to be stretched out into a mini- series because there is so many dynamics in their story and so much to tell.
You are right, they can best be compared with the Jacksons. So, a much better job should have been done portraying the life of Bobby. I hope their story gets picked up by someone with money and redone. The next movie should focus on all of them.
This movie was thrown together, bad acting, bad wigs, actors who can't act. I swear they took the info from Unsung and hurried to make this to beat someone else to it. I don't even watch this network, I tuned in to watch the Bobby Debarge Story and I didn't stay tuned in for the ending. Can't even call it biopic. TV.....None
I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR A BETTER BUDGET, SUCH A IMPORTANT STORY THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR THE FAMILY , I AM THEY COULD HAVE GOT THREE DAY TO RUSHED,THEY REALLY SHOULD HAVE GOT THE FAMILY INPUT THE WIFE ONLY KNOW HER TIME WITH HIM SHE CAN'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY.
Bobby was the most talented 1 out of them all, even El says that himself... He said he was intimidated by Bobby when it came to the vocals game, El comes close to Bobby but he can't hit those real high falsetto notes like Bobby did, shit nobody hits those like him not even Eddie Kendrick or anybody else who sings in that note & I mean nobody!!!!!!!!!! Straight "FACTS "!!!!!!!
Well there were some parts that were pretty good but overall there was just so much to try and look pass. I think they got the title wrong because it was about the Debarge family period. There was some stuff left out and I think they should have given this family at least 2 nights instead of cramming it all into 1 night. I'm not gonna comment on the wigs y'all already know!!!
I have to disagree this movie was not a good one they should have went to HBO or Showtime or BET and they would have did a better job than this whichever one is so many I am very disappointed in this movie not good at all not at all
Showtime and HBO would've said no to the movie cause the group had minor hits and it's no major drama and they probably don't know or remember who Switch was no shade no shade. BET probably was idk but BET probably didn't offer enough money or didn't want too much of the family imput in the project or they didn't want to spend that much money on a story of theirs cause again no shade Switch was no new edition you see how BET did a good job on new edition
Kimberly McGee Bobby Debarge story is nothing but drama. That’s part of the reason the TV One biopic was not that good because they left out so much of his story from the rise and fall of Switch to the bisexual rumors. That biopic was rushed with low budget and bad acting. Bobby DeBarge and the DeBarge Family deserve so much better than that TV One biopic
@@terrencerather6955 I agree. I watched it alot of stuff was covered in the unsung episode so I really didn't learn anything new. I wished it was done better and I wished it a bit longer
@@kimberlymcgee7954 but they did Betsy Smith Queen Latifah brought that to life and HBO did it with Gia was played by Angelina Jolie and really the young kids don't know about those people but they brought it to life and they made them interested in knowing about them and I think if they would have took the story to HBO HBO would have gave it the respect is it needed and would have brought the drama to the Forefront like they did Gia and Betsy Smith but family has to be honest about the drama though they can't block what HBO wants to tell but I bet if they would have brought it to any of those like Showtime HBO they would have went all out and did a better job than tvone I put my money on that
The title of this movie SHOULD HAVE BEEN titled: The DeBarge Story. NOT just and only, Bobby DeBarge. DOESN'T MATTER if Bobby was lead singer. It WAS, a "FAMILY", Thing. Well, i'll watch it, but i don't think i will be happy with it.
Yeah I know he was playing Jive turkey, it seemed like he was playing himself..over acting terribly!!...just a bad flick!!. His wife should be ashamed of herself, but I guess anything for a damn dollar!!
This proves just cause u lightskin with textured hair doesnt mean u cant have problems cause people steroetype the way the debarges are with dark skin black men
I meet Bobby and Tommy when I was 15 until Bobby’s passing as well as the other family members and from reading these comments I’m glad I haven’t viewed the movie!🤦♀️
www.stitcher.com/podcast/el-mu-tut-amun/e/62260168?autoplay=true podcast i went more detailed about film I did say somethings were not in film some details were left out many more films will come out to explore more details of the family this was just 2 hr film for tv
The movie was good but needed more details on on his childhood and how the group's got started and how he attracted AIDS and just everything it was to quit it should have been a three-part movie like the new edition story
@@jesuswilljudge7296 and he found out he had AIDS in jail he may have contracted it in there from another Man who knows but they say it was heroin but she's completely in denial
@@mwalker818walker8 he had hiv when they met thats what i think all that sleeping with men he did in the early 80s plus his roomate was jermaine stewart when he was with switch....tommy and bobby were his roomate....bobby died in 95 jermaine in 97 ...i also believe maybe randy and james may have hiv also
You know what I didn't see the movie but his wife combined all the books everyone in the family wrote in their memoirs so just because the debarge family themselves didn't have anything to do with the production is a sour note on their part of course this the 70s look not modern times so everyone need to stop the wigs ordeal overall from the reviews the movie was pretty good no matter who told this man story but if you ask me the family shuns away from slot of the topics that was openly discussed so to me it don't make nobody look bad these story's was told by the family themselves but unfortunately Bobby was not here to give his side of the story to his own Truth I'm hoping the family would be able to write a story from beginning to end a least someone took the initiative to do so.
I had a chance to watch this movie it could've been better the actors were good but I felt like Big Boi from Outkast shouldn't not been cast as Berry Gordy if you're gonna play a genius I would say do him justice like how Billy Dee Williams did in The Jacksons and Obba Babatunde in The Temptations movie also they should've told how he got his start with Switch and how they created songs in the studio and how got with Barry White and how they met that would've told the story
Every comment is totally accurate the Bobby actor nose was so big I couldn't feel the character at all because the real Bobby was nice looking & I'm so disappointed on how they just picked up any random to play these parts VH1 this sucks..That father destroyed their spirit! & why am I not surprised!🤮🤮🤮
Shabba my brother you know I’m a big DeBarge fan love some el and Bobby been a fan 39 years I was a little disappointed in the movie it didn’t tell the real story you have to get the books by bunny DeBarge called the kept ones part 1 and part 2 book she gives every details it will make you cry her father punch her in the face real bad when she told her mom what her dad did that blood was running down her nose and everything and get also the book by her brother tommy DeBarge there books are real deep it will make you cry also mamma DeBarge book called the other sign of pain I love debarge family so much all the pain and heartache they been thru there mom taught them god and to love el is doing so well he has a new song jackpot he also in the middle of writing a book about growing up on the DeBarge family he’s also on tour now with Charlie Wilson and he’s so happy he’s about to be a grandpa for the fifth time you can go on my page and here my review what I thought about the movie shabba✌🏽💯
I guess the biggest surprise to date is that I have never heard Ms. Debarge apologize for her role..not even once..all her time is spent discrediting people that call it what it is...faccksz
I haven't seen the movie. Me and my wife really wanted to watch it but its only on tv one, no one has tv one. It would have been nice if they put it on a general channel like bet, you know a channel most people have. But tv one though? They must not have wanted people to watch it lol
I personally think that BET would have been a better pick to showcase this movie and Bobby's life. They would have turned it into a 2-3 part mini series instead of a 1-part rush like TV One did. There were so much about Bobby, his family, his group "Switch" and his siblings group "The DeBarges" that wasn't told which actually made this movie very disappointing to a lot of people, especially their fans. Not to mention the horrible wigs and acting. You got more information from "UnSung" whereas the siblings and mother told their stories than what you got from this movie.
I loved the movie the wigs could ot been way better. But the movie was about him its called the Bobby Debarge Story it was about him I just wish they had more details on how he meet up with the member of switch. Bobby was Bi Sexual they should of put that in the movie his brother Chico said in A Interview he think Bobby was having Gay Sex In Prison. Even if its true who cares Bobby was so Talented his voice is Beautiful I cry when I Hear I Call your Name And There Never Be. R.I.P BOBBY DEBARGE
This movie was NOT awesome in NO shape form or fashion.... Bobby's Widow ONLY her version of his story... She ONLY been apart of his life for five years. When he went to prison him & Chico served time together also UNFORTUNATELY Bobby was abusive to James in EVERY way possible. in which they didn't show. Bobby had interested in men also as well as women. So there is his widow version and there is the TRUE STORY of Bobby & the rest of the siblings. He was a AMAZING singer songwriter & one of the BEST vocalist in the world. His "TRUE" story was sad, great & short lived.. I HOPE it will be told the "RIGHT " way next time!
Beverly Larkin the wife was married to him for 5 years but they were a couple before their marriage; their children were 8 and 6 when Bobby died; do the math; the wife stuck by him through his incarceration, his HIV diagnosis while she was pregnant; his death bed. I got this information from Mama D’s book
@@jay2k458 The MATH is DONE.... U should MAKE SURE U KNOW & UNDERSTAND the WHOLE story as I DO from Bunny Debarge telling it... Before u COMMENT on what I said... AGAIN 5, 3 ,2, 1... "THE WIFE" DON'T know ALL & she was LATER & DON'T have ALL the FACTS about HIS story......
This has to be the worse movie that I have seen in years!!. What a let down!!. I read another posters comment describing this movie as deep. Well if this was deep to anyone, then they must only watch cartoons. But I guess people with limited brain power would see this shitty movie as good. Poor Bobby's probably turning in his grave over this stupidly made, insulting piece of shit movie😬😬!!.
Not a good movie at all. Horrible! I think they did Bobby and the family wrong. That storyline, the wigs, the cast was horrible. It pissed me off at the site of the first wig. I was done. Matter of fact I’m still pissed today because I Switch and The Debarge Family (except the dad n mom). TV One, Please Don’t re-run this movie
gene walker right they told alit of lies they was born in Detroit lived there a little then when she got away from her husband they moved to Grand Rapids Michigan you got to read bunny DeBarge both books called the kept one part 1 and 2 she tells every painful thing growing up when they was in the music business it will make you cry they lied saying Bobby died in the hospital no he died in hospice check out my video I did on my page about the movie review the guy who played el he was born skin if you see el in person he is white white color with that pretty Indian like hair and randy wasn’t even that white he’s a light Carmel complexion he didn’t wear his hair like that those wigs looked crazy on them then when they sung I like it Debarge didn’t dance like that and they didn’t have those clothes on I’ve been a fan 39 years of DeBarge check out my page🙏🏽
This movie was terrible. It appears rushed, thrown together and clearly lacked in budget. TVone did a good job promoting it but that’s the only thing they did a good job in. The only good thing about this movie is that they were allowed to use the actual recordings of the music. Bad acting, bad hair and missing storylines. Bobby DeBarge wasn’t a huge star, but he deserved better than this! Just my opinion
I did say that the actress that played Mama Debarge she read Mamma D Book The director Russ Par said They used his wife book more so Still both books were used.
the only thing they get 5 on is everybody is light skinned..Toooooooo much detail was left out ...bad.terrible way to show what happen...he'll np it was not believable...look at this man hair and the actor it don't. match
Great film? I wasn't born when Switch came out. I watched this movie and still don't a thing bout the group and barely anything bout Bobby Debarge. This movie was terrible, no character development, bad actors, and even worse wigs.
Bruh I wish y'all stop comparing other entertainment families to the jacksons the jacksons are on a whole different level did the debarges have a sat morning cartoon? Did the debarges have a record cutout on the back of cereal and u could put it on ur record player? Nope case closed lol
Yeah, Anthony Taylor, u have a right to your opinion like all do, I was saying that Jacksons and The Debarges were on the same label Motown records, The Jacksons were truly great The Debarges could have been greater to the level of the Jacksons if was not from their problems from the monster a home, Every has a right to their an opinion I respect everybody opinion
@@mujaahid72 my fault bro I misheard u about the same label but please understand the jacksons bro u know we're mega mega stars bro they trancended all over the world they had a not only a cartoon they had a tv variety show they were a a list act they are in the frickin rock and roll Hall of Fame bro they saved Motown label when Motown was having financial problems going into the start of the 70s but thanks again for your response
Did you say this was a great film????? Lol are you blind? This was a tragedy. Let’s start with the wigs.. awful. How could they disrespect the debarge with this low budget horrific TV movie. The lead was vast incorrectly. Bad acting. Low budget production. You are a bad reviewer. You must don’t know anything about what makes a good film.
El Debarge said his family is full of jealousy, thievery, and backstabbing. Two of his brothers came after him with a machete. Tv one tried to do a movie on the whole family, but couldn't get the family on the same page. The Debarge family is still dysfunctional.
I waited to see this movie and it was horrible!! The acting was horrible and the wigs, ugh! If people are going to do movies about singers and/or actors, please do the correct research. This was a 1980's after school special
I thought it was rushed. We never got to see the rise of Switch. It should have been split into two parts.
True indeed!
the whole Debarge story if budgeted and told accurate, is a mini series....good job on this one( what more do people want for free )
True Indeed !
@Billy Wall thank for mentioning that. They paid more attention to his brothers and sister career rise than Switch beginnings
Billy Wall ITA with this. It wasn’t bad just rushed and we definitely needed more of the Switch story. Should have been at least 3 hours.
I think this movie should've had a part 1 and part 2. I wanted to see more detail of there childhood, how Bobby treated James, how cruel their father was, and the rise of switch.
I agree with so much. A lot was left out. How the parents met, the racism the couple came up against, the childhood, Switch and so much. I just didn’t like how they just portrayed him just as a addict
@@gwendolynrandle7733 Yep I agree. The whole movie they portray Bobby as drug addict with a hot temper. The only scene in the movie that was interesting was Bobby and James. I really wanted a visual description of how Bobby treated James.
Exactly they tried 2 cram so much n2 2hrs instead of jus showing more of Bobby's life growing up his time wit Switch would've been inportant it was more of like an over all Debarge family movie than a Bobby movie! Like they completely left out him being a well known bisexual and how heavy n2 drugs he really was it felt like they were more n2 making him seem like David Ruffin or Eddie Cain from da 5 Heartbeats! But i do think they did the best they could wit what they had i guess!
@@grandma651 The way James reacted to even being touched by Bobby -- the implication was more sexual to me, that he didn't want Bobby touching him because he had touched him inappropriately before. Also, I saw a documentary on the family wherein Chico claimed Bobby had been sexually abused by the father as well. So much was just not covered and questions remain!
@@grandma651 I also wanted more of his getting to know his wife , but I did enjoy the small part they showed of him and her out on dates and the way he would toucb her face was so beautiful dispite there was no dialogue, it was still so beautiful. ☺
They should have left it alone seriously! It didn't do any justice to bobby nor his family. To tell his story u would have to tell the debarge & switch story & that couldn't have been told in 1hr & some minutes. His mother & other family members wanted nothing to do with this story! Tv One please if u dont have all the correct materials to work with dont bother or maybe it didnt matter as long as the ratings r good. Remember there's multiple sides to a story & u only had his wife , Wow .
I am a real debarge fan i was looking forward to someone making a movie about him. This needs to be redone. Get the people who did the new edition story to help.
The acting was on point. Roshon gave his performance some depth. In his hands, I felt Bobby's pain when he and his brother James had their moment, in his confrontation with his mama, and upon his HIV diagnosis. A lot of folks are bothered by the wigs, but frankly, if you actually look at the DeBarges and their hairstyles back in the day, they were eccentric -- I'm being kind in my word choice lol. So it would be difficult to replicate those styles without bringing that same eccentricity to the movie. The wigs were not so bothersome. What threw me off was the way the story was told and the many, many holes in it. The movie jumped all around with no rhyme or reason for picking up at a particular point. For example, it began on Bobby's deathbed (1995), then jumped to 1980. Why? There was no reason given for this jarring "switch" in time. These jumps happen again and again, though the story does move chronologically forward from this point. Big holes abound, however. For example, the movie does not explain how or why Bobby and Chico became involved in drugs. The movie also irresponsibly suggests that Bobby may have gotten HIV in prison, but that is inaccurate. If he contracted it through IV drug use, the film never shows Bobby engaged in his use that way; he only smokes and snorts. Overall, people who don't know the DeBarges were probably confused about who was who; this wouldn't be so problematic if the film had truly been Bobby's story, but instead it became a mix of Bobby and DeBarge. Did we really need to see James and Janet's meeting and plans to elope? Like so many others who commented, I agree that to do the story justice, at least two parts (four hours) would be needed. Cramming a very complex story and a very complex family like the DeBarges into two hours was such a disservice!
Great points True Indeed!
I grew up with the DeBarges!! My favorite characters were Mama DeBarge and James and Janet. They looked and acted just like James and Janet back then (with that shy flirtatious Janet thing). That father was a monster!
Horrible movie. Bad acting. Hair and makeup looks like they’re ready for Halloween. The script is in dire need of doctoring- it’s too disjointed. The overall production is akin to a high school drama. If I were an actor I would not want this movie littering my resume, I would have had to reject this.
The movie was ok, but it should have been a Mimi series. It is from his wife’s perspective, and information Bobby told her. Also info from unsung interviews. She was with him at least from 1986, her oldest son was born in 1987. She stayed with him thru it and til the end. She is a strong woman.
Thank you for your review, it seems like they left some of his life style out.
True some things were left, I talk more on podcast
They are stating they did.
Cynthia Brown He was Bi sexually according to his family and the unsung documentary. I feel like if you’re going to tell his life story, you should tell it all.
The best book about the Debarge family is by Thomas Debarge. He doesn’t flinch he tells the whole truth .
The girls who played janet & Latoya should have turned down the parts , u guys knew u were wrong as a matter of fact u were wrong for all the actors & those lazy horrifying wigs. Tv One please pick & research ur projects carefully.
sunywea nicholsun and Janet and Latoya looked way better than that back than they ought to be ashamed of themselves.
That movie could have been so much better. Hell, this story needed a multi-parter.
Yeah this movie was awful and did need to be more than one part. The acting and wigs were shitty and the wroting was ass too.
Bobby was abused by his father. Both physically and sexually. His mother reported the incident to th police. But, the police didn't do anything because her husband was white. So the abuse continued. How unfortunate and sad! So the abusee became an abuser. He abused his siblings. Bobby died of Aids. That family suffered many things unfortunately. It's amazing the things they achieved thanks to their mother. The heart of a mother is amazing! This previous thought/sentence is from the heart. I am a mother. I'm glad his physical suffering is over. That family has encountered much. Yet, they have given much to the music industry. They are legends. I also appreciate the love they have for each other. I thank the Lord for the Debarge family! Peace out!
The Flower 🌹
Everything about this movie was the epitome of STRUGGLE
Budget, script, story development, direction, production design, set design, editing, casting, lighting, sound mixing, performance sequences, WIGS.
Debarge deserved better.
True indeed I respect your opinion
GatorGirl04 The green screen Soul Train shots were terrible😂😂
I love ❤️ the movie.The Disney kid that play Bobby did a excellent job .it was sad 😞 but I love it.
I enjoyed the movie! The acting was great. Overall, it told a deep behind the scenes story.
I am so disappointed in this movie... I can't say it enough. I recorded it because I was excited that it was happening. However, I immediately erased it because it was a disgrace to his memory...The acting was bad, the wigs were low budget, and the choice of roles were horrible. I mean seriously...you had Bobby as the shortest member of the group with a black mop on his head!!! Stop it. "They'll never be.......
Awful movie... the wigs looked like someone slept in it, then break danced on it..
Hope Floyd 😂
Hope Floyd 🤣🤣🤣☠️☠️
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣☠
I watched the movie last night and I thought it wasnt bad. In my opinion they did better in comparison to the Lifetime Bio pics. I felt like they couldve told a lot more though.
Me too xtraK 38 !
I figured as much.... smh
If you not gone do it right don't do it @ all
After reading terrible reviews I finally watched it today. It wasn't horrible like I thought it would be. The actor playing him did a great job for the material he was given to work with. Lots of details left out that would have been better had the film not been rushed. Should be done again to give his life and legacy justice.
True Indeed I appreciate your comment !
I thought is was pretty good. As a life long fan of the family, they covered HER perspective and experience being married to/with him. I’m sure he shared a lot with his wife and SHE shared what was fitting for her and the 2hour time slot w/commercial.
I really enjoyed it!
I am not sure about the idea that Teri's book is behind the movie because I don't know of a book written by Teri. Bunny and Mama DeBarge have written books, though. Still, if Teri's perspective is the movie's focus, that's problematic because she only knew Bobby later in his life -- whatever she might "know" about his childhood and life before she met him would be hearsay.
Lecuyer Dooley - You really care huh?
Funny how no one respects marriage anymore. Her perspective as his wife, mother of his children and next of kin doesn’t matter huh? Incredible...😂😂😂
People are incredibly lost.
@@thatbemefool Are you obtuse? I never said her perspective doesn't matter. NOT AT ALL. I simply pointed out that she would have only hearsay knowledge of Bobby's childhood or of any events in his life before he met her -- and to be very clear, that was the MAJORITY of his short life. She could certainly have been a guiding force in telling Bobby's life story from the point they met forward because she was there to experience it with him. Outside of that, she's trying to tell a story that she alone cannot tell. His mother, all of his brothers and sisters, his cousins, friends, band mates, etc. have much more knowledge about Bobby's life before he met Teri and their lack of input in this movie shows the consequences of telling a story based on hearsay. THAT was my point. Geez.
@@lecuyerdooley1084, not if it came from Bobby himself. I feel like there were moments when he laid that mop of curly hair on his wife,s breast and told her about the horrible things they went though. I think a scene like that would have been very appropriate , a beautiful moment between husband and wife. A time of sharing and getting to know each other in a non sexual way.
@@slamecatzwell5544 True. If it was Bobby's story as told to his wife, the movie should have made that relationship front and center and given viewers the kind of scene you laid out. It could have even been written so that Teri's voiceover narration lets the viewers know this is Bobby's life as he revealed it to her. But the movie fails to have a coherent narrative no matter whose viewpoint is behind it.
I didn't know Bobby's widow wrote a book! Knew of the three written by his mother, Bunny and his brother Tommy. But, never heard of a book written by her. What is the name of the book? When was it written? Would like to read it.
Dont waste your money it will be sugarcoated
Reading the comments. This was a great movie, hair on point, actors were great. Alot of people know Debarge, not the older brother or how Debarge came about. Excellent movie👍
My Brother, to begin with I'd like to thank you for being as professional and kind as you were to the memory of Bobby DeBarge. what people fail to realize is that this is very painful for surviving family members. prayerfully no one out there in your audience had this to go through in their youth, but those who have and have yet managed to survive it will understand it's not quite as casual a conversation as the criticizing audience would lead you to believe. in any regard thoughts prayers best wishes whatever go out to the family but they continue to develop their lives and the best venue possible. prayerfully this story is the opening flood gate 2 relieved some of the ugly memories and pain of the past. blessings
Thanks for your kind comments check out podcast i went depth link stitcher radio in comment section
That movie was garbage. It did no justice for the Bobby Debarge or The Debarges as a singing group. The acting and the wigs they wore were horrible. The Debarge family including Bobby Debarge story needs to be stretched out into a mini- series because there is so many dynamics in their story and so much to tell.
You are right, they can best be compared with the Jacksons. So, a much better job should have been done portraying the life of Bobby. I hope their story gets picked up by someone with money and redone. The next movie should focus on all of them.
This movie was thrown together, bad acting, bad wigs, actors who can't act. I swear they took the info from Unsung and hurried to make this to beat someone else to it. I don't even watch this network, I tuned in to watch the Bobby Debarge Story and I didn't stay tuned in for the ending. Can't even call it biopic. TV.....None
I true some things were left out i agreed more films are coming to tell more of story
Good, cause this story as like many others needs to be accurate. We need to tell our own stories.
Rosa Evangelista I agree with you 1000%. That was a total mess, I can’t believe TV One aired that. DeBarge Family deserves much better
He completed his solo LP.
Ok got it ! Thanks for info. !
I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR A BETTER BUDGET, SUCH A IMPORTANT STORY THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR THE FAMILY , I AM THEY COULD HAVE GOT THREE DAY TO RUSHED,THEY REALLY SHOULD HAVE GOT THE FAMILY INPUT THE WIFE ONLY KNOW HER TIME WITH HIM SHE CAN'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY.
Bobby was the most talented 1 out of them all, even El says that himself... He said he was intimidated by Bobby when it came to the vocals game, El comes close to Bobby but he can't hit those real high falsetto notes like Bobby did, shit nobody hits those like him not even Eddie Kendrick or anybody else who sings in that note & I mean nobody!!!!!!!!!! Straight "FACTS "!!!!!!!
Well there were some parts that were pretty good but overall there was just so much to try and look pass. I think they got the title wrong because it was about the Debarge family period. There was some stuff left out and I think they should have given this family at least 2 nights instead of cramming it all into 1 night. I'm not gonna comment on the wigs y'all already know!!!
I have to disagree this movie was not a good one they should have went to HBO or Showtime or BET and they would have did a better job than this whichever one is so many I am very disappointed in this movie not good at all not at all
Shanika Bradley you have a right to your opinion i can respect that !
Showtime and HBO would've said no to the movie cause the group had minor hits and it's no major drama and they probably don't know or remember who Switch was no shade no shade. BET probably was idk but BET probably didn't offer enough money or didn't want too much of the family imput in the project or they didn't want to spend that much money on a story of theirs cause again no shade Switch was no new edition you see how BET did a good job on new edition
Kimberly McGee Bobby Debarge story is nothing but drama. That’s part of the reason the TV One biopic was not that good because they left out so much of his story from the rise and fall of Switch to the bisexual rumors. That biopic was rushed with low budget and bad acting. Bobby DeBarge and the DeBarge Family deserve so much better than that TV One biopic
@@terrencerather6955 I agree. I watched it alot of stuff was covered in the unsung episode so I really didn't learn anything new. I wished it was done better and I wished it a bit longer
@@kimberlymcgee7954 but they did Betsy Smith Queen Latifah brought that to life and HBO did it with Gia was played by Angelina Jolie and really the young kids don't know about those people but they brought it to life and they made them interested in knowing about them and I think if they would have took the story to HBO HBO would have gave it the respect is it needed and would have brought the drama to the Forefront like they did Gia and Betsy Smith but family has to be honest about the drama though they can't block what HBO wants to tell but I bet if they would have brought it to any of those like Showtime HBO they would have went all out and did a better job than tvone I put my money on that
The title of this movie SHOULD HAVE BEEN titled: The DeBarge Story. NOT just and only, Bobby DeBarge. DOESN'T MATTER if Bobby was lead singer. It WAS, a "FAMILY", Thing. Well, i'll watch it, but i don't think i will be happy with it.
I cant believe bobby really talked like that all jerky and stuff
Yeah I know he was playing Jive turkey, it seemed like he was playing himself..over acting terribly!!...just a bad flick!!. His wife should be ashamed of herself, but I guess anything for a damn dollar!!
He sounded like keenan ivory wayans from living color when he had the jerry curl wig and leather pants and sunglasses..
@Cherry 😂😂😂!!
Trauma and drugs can really have a terrible effect on one's personality and adjustment.
This proves just cause u lightskin with textured hair doesnt mean u cant have problems cause people steroetype the way the debarges are with dark skin black men
Does anyone know if Bobby's wife contracted HIV?? I havnt read the books but I really want to now
I'm not sure if his wife had HIV Bobby & her had 2 boys they both grown men who seem to look healthy
@@mujaahid72 appreciate the reply!
@@MsSugarbear6 No problem glad to help u with your question
B.E.T. SHOULD HAVE MADE THIS STORY
I meet Bobby and Tommy when I was 15 until Bobby’s passing as well as the other family members and from reading these comments I’m glad I haven’t viewed the movie!🤦♀️
www.stitcher.com/podcast/el-mu-tut-amun/e/62260168?autoplay=true podcast i went more detailed about film I did say somethings were not in film some details were left out many more films will come out to explore more details of the family this was just 2 hr film for tv
The movie was good but needed more details on on his childhood and how the group's got started and how he attracted AIDS and just everything it was to quit it should have been a three-part movie like the new edition story
I believe heroin
The wife is just like mama debarge in denial of how she knew she married a gay man..
@@jesuswilljudge7296 and he found out he had AIDS in jail he may have contracted it in there from another Man who knows but they say it was heroin but she's completely in denial
@@mwalker818walker8 he had hiv when they met thats what i think all that sleeping with men he did in the early 80s plus his roomate was jermaine stewart when he was with switch....tommy and bobby were his roomate....bobby died in 95 jermaine in 97 ...i also believe maybe randy and james may have hiv also
@@jesuswilljudge7296 Wow very sad story they didn't deserve all they been through
I didn't see it yet but i'm hoping they didn't make a mockery of this man's life that would be very disappointing to watch👀
You know what I didn't see the movie but his wife combined all the books everyone in the family wrote in their memoirs so just because the debarge family themselves didn't have anything to do with the production is a sour note on their part of course this the 70s look not modern times so everyone need to stop the wigs ordeal overall from the reviews the movie was pretty good no matter who told this man story but if you ask me the family shuns away from slot of the topics that was openly discussed so to me it don't make nobody look bad these story's was told by the family themselves but unfortunately Bobby was not here to give his side of the story to his own Truth I'm hoping the family would be able to write a story from beginning to end a least someone took the initiative to do so.
I had a chance to watch this movie it could've been better the actors were good but I felt like Big Boi from Outkast shouldn't not been cast as Berry Gordy if you're gonna play a genius I would say do him justice like how Billy Dee Williams did in The Jacksons and Obba Babatunde in The Temptations movie also they should've told how he got his start with Switch and how they created songs in the studio and how got with Barry White and how they met that would've told the story
Great point u made Ira ! Check my other video when u get time
@@mujaahid72 no doubt
Every comment is totally accurate the Bobby actor nose was so big I couldn't feel the character at all because the real Bobby was nice looking & I'm so disappointed on how they just picked up any random to play these parts VH1 this sucks..That father destroyed their spirit! & why am I not surprised!🤮🤮🤮
Shabba my brother you know I’m a big DeBarge fan love some el and Bobby been a fan 39 years I was a little disappointed in the movie it didn’t tell the real story you have to get the books by bunny DeBarge called the kept ones part 1 and part 2 book she gives every details it will make you cry her father punch her in the face real bad when she told her mom what her dad did that blood was running down her nose and everything and get also the book by her brother tommy DeBarge there books are real deep it will make you cry also mamma DeBarge book called the other sign of pain I love debarge family so much all the pain and heartache they been thru there mom taught them god and to love el is doing so well he has a new song jackpot he also in the middle of writing a book about growing up on the DeBarge family he’s also on tour now with Charlie Wilson and he’s so happy he’s about to be a grandpa for the fifth time you can go on my page and here my review what I thought about the movie shabba✌🏽💯
I can respect that Shabba !
I still thought what had to work with film was good in my opinion , yeah somethings were left out , i;m sure more movies are coming soon!
www.stitcher.com/podcast/el-mu-tut-amun/e/62260168?autoplay=true My podcast i talk more in detail and extra part
mujaahid72 you did a very good review their father was 👿 evil
True Indeed he made sick and so-called apology SMH!
It shouldve been a 3 part movie like the bobby brown movie and the jacksons..it was to short..
I appreciate your comment
Good critique my man..I agree totally
Thanks !
I guess the biggest surprise to date is that I have never heard Ms. Debarge apologize for her role..not even once..all her time is spent discrediting people that call it what it is...faccksz
I haven't seen the movie. Me and my wife really wanted to watch it but its only on tv one, no one has tv one. It would have been nice if they put it on a general channel like bet, you know a channel most people have. But tv one though? They must not have wanted people to watch it lol
I think it is on youtube u may have to buy it
I personally think that BET would have been a better pick to showcase this movie and Bobby's life. They would have turned it into a 2-3 part mini series instead of a 1-part rush like TV One did. There were so much about Bobby, his family, his group "Switch" and his siblings group "The DeBarges" that wasn't told which actually made this movie very disappointing to a lot of people, especially their fans. Not to mention the horrible wigs and acting. You got more information from "UnSung" whereas the siblings and mother told their stories than what you got from this movie.
Great points you are saying
I just came for the reviews. When I saw that wig it was a big NOPE for me.
U talking about my thumbnail of the Real Bobby Debarge or TV movie actor who played Bobby Debarge in TV movie ?
His wife name is teri not jerri
This movie was as bad as the Aaliyah lifetime movie😝.
1DNETTA U wrong for dat😂😂Mess makes Aaliyah Lifetime movie look good
@@feastingbrownguy ,
You may be right!😅
It was worse than the Aaliyah movie😠😠😠😠
I loved the movie the wigs could ot been way better. But the movie was about him its called the Bobby Debarge Story it was about him I just wish they had more details on how he meet up with the member of switch. Bobby was Bi Sexual they should of put that in the movie his brother Chico said in A Interview he think Bobby was having Gay Sex In Prison. Even if its true who cares Bobby was so Talented his voice is Beautiful I cry when I Hear I Call your Name And There Never Be. R.I.P BOBBY DEBARGE
Thanks, Nina! I Respect U and everybody else opinion
I didn't really like it! It needed more detail and information! Alot was left out
yeah true
I liked it
This movie was NOT awesome in NO shape form or fashion.... Bobby's Widow ONLY her version of his story... She ONLY been apart of his life for five years. When he went to prison him & Chico served time together also UNFORTUNATELY Bobby was abusive to James in EVERY way possible. in which they didn't show. Bobby had interested in men also as well as women. So there is his widow version and there is the TRUE STORY of Bobby & the rest of the siblings. He was a AMAZING singer songwriter & one of the BEST vocalist in the world. His "TRUE" story was sad, great & short lived.. I HOPE it will be told the "RIGHT " way next time!
Beverly Larkin the wife was married to him for 5 years but they were a couple before their marriage; their children were 8 and 6 when Bobby died; do the math; the wife stuck by him through his incarceration, his HIV diagnosis while she was pregnant; his death bed. I got this information from Mama D’s book
@@jay2k458 The MATH is DONE.... U should MAKE SURE U KNOW & UNDERSTAND the WHOLE story as I DO from Bunny Debarge telling it... Before u COMMENT on what I said... AGAIN 5, 3 ,2, 1... "THE WIFE" DON'T know ALL & she was LATER & DON'T have ALL the FACTS about HIS story......
A Great song By Bobby Debarge his love for Latoya Jackson ruclips.net/video/BBI6oMzfnZk/видео.html
This has to be the worse movie that I have seen in years!!. What a let down!!. I read another posters comment describing this movie as deep. Well if this was deep to anyone, then they must only watch cartoons. But I guess people with limited brain power would see this shitty movie as good. Poor Bobby's probably turning in his grave over this stupidly made, insulting piece of shit movie😬😬!!.
Not a good movie at all. Horrible! I think they did Bobby and the family wrong. That storyline, the wigs, the cast was horrible. It pissed me off at the site of the first wig. I was done. Matter of fact I’m still pissed today because I Switch and The Debarge Family (except the dad n mom). TV One, Please Don’t re-run this movie
That's a lie. They live in Grand Rapids Michigan
They lived in Detroit as children, all of them were born there except the twins.
@@katherinedorsey3426 Thanks for the info I put in description
Great movie I enjoyed it
@@sugarmama217Me too! some did not like it cool u can't please everybody!
gene walker right they told alit of lies they was born in Detroit lived there a little then when she got away from her husband they moved to Grand Rapids Michigan you got to read bunny DeBarge both books called the kept one part 1 and 2 she tells every painful thing growing up when they was in the music business it will make you cry they lied saying Bobby died in the hospital no he died in hospice check out my video I did on my page about the movie review the guy who played el he was born skin if you see el in person he is white white color with that pretty Indian like hair and randy wasn’t even that white he’s a light Carmel complexion he didn’t wear his hair like that those wigs looked crazy on them then when they sung I like it Debarge didn’t dance like that and they didn’t have those clothes on I’ve been a fan 39 years of DeBarge check out my page🙏🏽
This movie was terrible. It appears rushed, thrown together and clearly lacked in budget. TVone did a good job promoting it but that’s the only thing they did a good job in. The only good thing about this movie is that they were allowed to use the actual recordings of the music. Bad acting, bad hair and missing storylines. Bobby DeBarge wasn’t a huge star, but he deserved better than this! Just my opinion
everybody raped..Moma can't help..music only way out and this is how tv one show it
The wigs alone were horrible and the actors could have done better .
My Brother Your Wrong The Movie WAS BASED ON THE BOOK MAMA D WROTE
I did say that the actress that played Mama Debarge she read Mamma D Book The director Russ Par said They used his wife book more so Still both books were used.
Well first the movie was great and am stil a kid and I love it
True Indeed !
The ending was pretty good..but the acting kinda sucked
I can respect your opinion, thanks for watching
Is this the movie
@@nedrajackson2893 yes Bobby debarge movie on tvone
Nedra Jackson No A review of Movie on TV ONE U have go to TV One Channel or Get App TV ONE OR On DEMAND
@@mujaahid72 I got the app an no it wasn't there
This docu was a disgrace to Bobby, Switch, and DeBarge musical legacy...TERRIBLE acting. Another director should make a movie.
the only thing they get 5 on is everybody is light skinned..Toooooooo much detail was left out
...bad.terrible way to show what happen...he'll np it was not believable...look at this man hair and the actor it don't. match
Great film? I wasn't born when Switch came out. I watched this movie and still don't a thing bout the group and barely anything bout Bobby Debarge. This movie was terrible, no character development, bad actors, and even worse wigs.
Bruh I wish y'all stop comparing other entertainment families to the jacksons the jacksons are on a whole different level did the debarges have a sat morning cartoon? Did the debarges have a record cutout on the back of cereal and u could put it on ur record player? Nope case closed lol
Yeah, Anthony Taylor, u have a right to your opinion like all do, I was saying that Jacksons and The Debarges were on the same label Motown records, The Jacksons were truly great The Debarges could have been greater to the level of the Jacksons if was not from their problems from the monster a home, Every has a right to their an opinion I respect everybody opinion
@@mujaahid72 my fault bro I misheard u about the same label but please understand the jacksons bro u know we're mega mega stars bro they trancended all over the world they had a not only a cartoon they had a tv variety show they were a a list act they are in the frickin rock and roll Hall of Fame bro they saved Motown label when Motown was having financial problems going into the start of the 70s but thanks again for your response
Did you say this was a great film????? Lol are you blind? This was a tragedy. Let’s start with the wigs.. awful. How could they disrespect the debarge with this low budget horrific TV movie. The lead was vast incorrectly. Bad acting. Low budget production. You are a bad reviewer. You must don’t know anything about what makes a good film.
El Debarge said his family is full of jealousy, thievery, and backstabbing. Two of his brothers came after him with a machete. Tv one tried to do a movie on the whole family, but couldn't get the family on the same page. The Debarge family is still dysfunctional.
Horrible movie wasted two hrs!!;
I waited to see this movie and it was horrible!! The acting was horrible and the wigs, ugh! If people are going to do movies about singers and/or actors, please do the correct research. This was a 1980's after school special
Hey Muu Time Great review as always thank for sharing your doing great Dancing Machine
Thanks Sky !!!!! Mu doing 3.6k views !!!!
@@mujaahid72 congratulations
@@Skyzdalimit Thanks