Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story

Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story is a riveting biographical drama released in 2016 that chronicles the life and career of renowned American R&B and Jazz singer, Miki Howard. Crafted by Christine Swanson and directed by an impressive team of JC Cofer and Christine Swanson, the film delves into the tumultuous journey of Miki Howard, seamlessly blending her highs, lows, and everything in between into a compelling cinematic experience. This film stars talented actress Teyonah Parris in the leading role of Miki Howard, with noteworthy performances by Gary Dourdan and Darius McCrary.

The narrative of Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story offers a detailed insight into Miki's life, her journey into the limelight, her struggle with substance abuse, and her fight for survival. The film encompasses various phases of her life, unveiling a captivating portrayal of her path, from her childhood in the church choir to her climb up the musical charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a celebrated artist, and beyond.

Teyonah Parris delivers an impeccable performance as Miki Howard. She effortlessly inhabits the soul of the character and convincingly enacts the diverse range of emotions and challenges Howard experienced over the course of her life and career. The depiction of Miki's love life is authentically chronicled too, with her marriages, romances, and their untimely ends vividly portrayed.

The film doesn't shy away from highlighting the dark side of fame either. It makes a point to delve into how the music industry often harbours an underbelly of exploitation and how Miki Howard's personal woes culminated in her addiction problems. Here, the narrative takes a poignant turn, shedding light on the intertwining of Howard's personal and professional life amidst her battle with drug abuse.

The performances by Gary Dourdan and Darius McCrary are admirable too. Dourdan, who plays the role of Augie Johnson, Miki Howard's first husband and the father of her two eldest children, portrays his complex character convincingly. Johnson was a significant figure in Howard's life, helping her gain her first break in the music industry. Where on one hand, he is depicted as a supportive figure, the movie also underlines the problematic aspects of their relationship, with undertones of manipulation and control.

On the other hand, Darius McCrary plays Gerald Levert, another impactful figure in Miki Howard's life. Their relationship, both on a personal level and as collaborators in the music industry, is well depicted in the film. McCrary embodies the Levert character well, adding a sense of depth and intrigue to the film's narrative.

Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story also benefits significantly from existing soundtracks of Miki Howard's hits, enriching the overall texture. The performances are backed by these classic tunes, offering fans a healthy dose of nostalgia while serving as an introduction to her discography for the uninitiated.

The film is more than just a story about Miki Howard. It is a candid portrayal of a woman facing life's trials and tribulations, from the thrill of success to the devastating lows of addiction, divorce, and survival. Her resiliency is a prominent theme throughout the movie, demonstrating her strength and tenacity even during times of despair.

The direction of the movie is praiseworthy, with each scene meticulously crafted to provoke a range of emotions from the audience. The intricate emotional dynamics are well articulated, making the viewer invest in the protagonist's journey. The effective blending of elements of drama, romance, and music keeps the narrative engaging throughout.

In conclusion, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story is a powerful exploration of Miki Howard's life and career, detailing the struggles, successes, and the undying spirit of this indomitable woman. Through excellent performances, a compelling narrative, and soulful music, the film serves as a touching tribute to the woman who, against all odds, made a place for herself in the turbulent world of the music industry. It's a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas and lovers of music of that era.