TV One’s Marvin Sapp Biopic, ‘Never Would Have Made It’ Review

TV One’s Marvin Sapp biopic Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story premieres August 21, 2022. We were able to get an exclusive viewing of the film, and here is a quick review!

Here’s the first look at the Never Would Have Made It trailer:

The Marvin Sapp biopic chronicles the prominent gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, love for MaLinda Prince, rise in the music industry and growth in his faith. Sapp came into prominence more than 30 years ago as a member of Commissioned and is widely known for his award-winning, chart-topping crossover hit, “Never Would Have Made It.” Currently, he is an author, radio show host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Dallas, Texas and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan – the church he founded with his late wife.

The film begins in 1983 in Grand Rapids Michigan, with a young Marvin Sapp, and his close friend Jackson indulging in underaged drinking and young men shenanigans. As a young man Marvin finds himself drawn to the ways of the world all the while having the presence of strong-minded family members that stayed on him to follow the righteous path of God. Even though Marvin enjoys what the world has to offer, he just cannot help but to sing the gospel of the Lord, everywhere he goes!

Marvin Sapp gently narrates us through the film and admits that the struggles he endured at a young age caused him to cling to the ways of the world, until he fell ill and heard from the Lord. Coupled with the loss of a close family member, and the discipline of his parents, Marvin then made up his mind to do the will of the Lord, but not without some battles and hills to climb. 

Marvin invites us into the moment in which he becomes a member of Commissioned, as well as the moment in which he decided to go solo and why. He also shows us where the inspiration for songs like his iconic “Never Would Have Made It” came from and how he has been able to use his gift to serve the Lord.

The film gives us insight into how Marvin Sapp and his wife MaLinda Price, played by Ambre Anderson, meet and fall in love. Once married, we see how MaLinda played a major role in just about every aspect of who we know Bishop Marvin Sapp to be today. We are also able to learn what led to MaLinda’s passing, and how God helped Marvin and their three children stay strong. 

I personally enjoyed the movie! I loved how Bishop Marvin Sapp was not afraid to let people know that he too has had issues with drugs and alcohol, and he too has the testimony that God did not give up on him! This is a beautiful story of realizing that you have a purpose in life and that God has a purpose for your life and how learning to listen and obey can help you live your best life possible. It was also beautiful to be invited into the love story between Marvin and MaLinda! Church goers, you will not be disappointed, non-church goers, you won’t be bored!

Tune in August 21st at 9pm ET on TV One to see Marvin SappTV One’s Marvin Sapp biopic Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story

Directed by Russ Par and produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric F. Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick and Keith Nealsearving as Executive Producers. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting and Susan Henry is Senior Director of Original Programming and Production.

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