Friday, February 15, 2013

Old Dude, (not so) Old Movies - "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0123324/

This 1998 release starred Larenz Tate as Frankie Lymon. Vivica A. Fox, Halle Berry and Lela Rochon portrayed women who each were his wife at different times in Lymon's life.

In the African-American community, Lymon was legendary for his own special talent, and a strong influence on many who followed. As lead of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, they were the template for so many teen singing groups that followed them for the next twenty years.  The song that provided the title of this movie was the group's biggest hit, and has been covered by Diana Ross among others.

Michael Jackson was a direct descendant in spirit, and others like Stevie Wonder and Ralph Tresvant of New Edition showed Lymon's influence in their vocal phrasing and stage presence.

Lymon lived a short & ultimately tragic life, but had a kind of magnetism that drew women in. Each of his wives was depicted as first captivated by his charms, steadfast by his side as he faced the inevitable stumble and fall, then saddened but resolute once they each found out about his death.

The courtroom scenes, as the wives contend for Lymon's estate and the status that would come from being his only legal wife, anchored the movie in the present era, but the flashback scenes sparkle. Tate did a commendable job with the dance moves and the boldness necessary to play a teen idol.

Each of the ladies is gorgeous. Berry in particular is stunning as Zola Taylor of the Platters, one of the all-time great singing groups from the 50s. There are a couple of scenes (one where she is on television, one on stage), where as she holds a stare, I felt my knees go weak. The look in her eyes is completely captivating.

This movie isn't for everyone, but for someone interested in the early days of the pop and R&B music scenes, this is an enjoyable picture. I'll be on the lookout for it from now on.

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