Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4 is a 1996 music concert film directed by Bill Crooks, featuring gospel artist Kirk Franklin and his choir The Family. The film captures the electrifying live performance of the group that was recorded at The Strand Theatre in Southfield, Michigan. The concert features Kirk Franklin's signature gospel style of fusing contemporary R&B and hip-hop elements with traditional gospel music. The 90-minute concert includes performances of some of the group's most popular songs from their early albums, including "Savior More Than Life," "Melodies From Heaven," "Silver And Gold," and "Whatcha Lookin' 4."
The film kicks off with an energetic rendition of "Savior More Than Life" featuring lead vocals by Franklin, which immediately sets the tone for the entire concert. The audience is quickly pulled into the performance by the high energy, infectious sound, and Franklin's commanding presence on stage.
One of the highlights of the film is the performance of "Melodies From Heaven," which starts slow and builds up to a high-intensity sound with the entire choir singing in harmony. The song is a perfect example of how Franklin blends traditional gospel sounds with modern urban music. The song is followed up by the upbeat "Conquerors", which has a funky groove and features powerful solos by the choir members.
The concert also features a touching tribute to God with "Jesus Is The Reason," which showcases Franklin's heart for worship. The song is a personal testament to Franklin's faith and contains a simple message of the importance of Jesus in life. Throughout the performance, the audience sings along, and the atmosphere is electric.
The movie also includes a mini-documentary where Franklin talks about his humble beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas. In the documentary, he talks about how the church and the gospel music he grew up listening to inspired him to become a gospel artist. The documentary also includes insights from other members of The Family about how music helps them connect with their faith and their listeners.
One of the most significant moments of the concert is the performance of "Silver And Gold." The song features a solo by one of the choir members, Nu Vision, which is emotional and heartfelt. The choir backs up Nu Vision with angelic harmonies, and Franklin exclaims "my God!" as if surprised at the power and beauty of the singer's voice. The song is a standout performance and is sure to stir emotions in any viewer.
The highlight of the concert is the title track, "Whatcha Lookin' 4." The song is an upbeat, uplifting gospel song that showcases Franklin's high-energy performance style. The song features a call and response between Franklin and the choir, which creates an invigorating atmosphere in the theatre. It is a fitting end to a concert that showcases some of the best gospel music and performances of that era.
Overall, Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4 is an inspiring film that captures the essence of gospel music. The film offers an insightful look into the mind of Kirk Franklin and his passion for gospel music. The performances are engaging, entertaining, and spiritually uplifting, making the film an excellent watch for gospel music lovers or anyone looking for a musical experience that will lift their spirits. The concert is a testament to Franklin's talent and passion for music, and it is a must-watch for anyone who loves gospel music.
In conclusion, Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4 is a concert film that should be watched by all gospel music enthusiasts. It features excellent music, a powerful message, and soul-stirring performances by Kirk Franklin and his choir. The film is an excellent addition to any music lover's collection and is highly recommended.
Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4 is a 1995 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
