We have Mariah Carey to thank for bringing this movie forth, then inviting Tyler Perry and Oprah to come on board. Very seldom do we really get to see realistic and honest stories about African American females' lives. When Black girls are featured in films, they are often turned into stereotypical beings, i.e., angry gum-smacking, neck jerking Saphire or hoochie, and the story is told from a subjective prospective -- others telling the viewer who Black women are and how they all think & behave. This is one girl's story, told by an African American female, which represents her view of the world (instead of visa versa) and it is a powerful, human/universal expression. Well done.