"Be Happy" Review : Tisha Campbell Shines in Mature Love STORY

R&B Legend Mary J. Blige continues her successful relationship with the Lifetime Network as the song “Be Happy” from her classic 1994 album “My Life” serves as the title for a new film. Gabourey Sidibe makes her directorial debut with the film, while Cameron J. Ross pens the script.

Val (Tisha Campbell) is a 50-year-old homemaker who has been married to Russ (Russell Hornsby) for the past 3 decades. Their oldest daughter, Kayla (Zing Ashford), is expecting her own child. At the same time, their son Jeremiah (Akeem Cheatham) is preparing to attend college at his parents’ alma mater.

With an empty house and in her sexual prime, Val hopes to reignite the spark in their marriage. However, Russ is clueless and would rather work on a classic car. Needing a break and some “me time”, Val decides to head to New Orleans to help out her daughter while in the final weeks of the pregnancy. Val quickly rediscovers who she is as a woman, but things become complicated when she meets suave artist Peter Mosley (Mekhi Phifer).

Anyone who knows Mary’s catalog will attest that he has numerous songs that could serve as a plot device for a romantic film. Cameron Ross’s script avoids clichés and paints a relatable narrative that speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost in a relationship. It’s also the best kind of film for an actress of Gabourey Sidibe’s caliber to make for her directorial debut.

As our lead, Campbell navigates the film with ease. Not only is she gorgeous, but the layers she gives Val as she comes out of her shell give Campbell a chance to show her dramatic range without ever resorting to cheap jokes or overly dramatic monologues. Meanwhile, Mekhi Pfier’s character isn’t reduced to some Adonis or fantasy.

Instead, the script gives Peter some depth and has his character connect with Val over a love of art, and the attraction builds from there. Of course, “they get it in”, but the way it happens is natural, and Peter even asks permission. Sadly, for the sake of the narrative, the immensely talented Russell Hornsby doesn’t get that much to do.

Keeping the runtime short and an honest performance from Tisha Campbell, “Be Happy” is sure to put a smile on your face.

Final Grade: B

“Be Happy” is now streaming on Lifetime.