Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over

2021

1 hr. 29 min.

Documentary

Music

List

91%

23 Reviews

Tomatometer

100%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

DON'T MAKE ME OVER reveals the intimate stories behind a pioneering artist who took charge of her own career and smashed through cultural, racial and gender barriers to become the soundtrack for generations. The documentary feature brings to life the real Dionne Warwick -- the artist behind timeless hits such as What the World Needs Now, Say a Little Prayer and Don't Make Me Over. What few people know, is that behind the iconic music is a strong woman whose fierce determination not only brought her worldwide success, but also a voice she used to fight for humanitarian causes.

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Critics Consensus

Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over sticks to the standard rock doc formula, but its fascinating subject ensures it rarely hits a false note.

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paul a

A touching anthology of a gifted , warm hearted artist whose voice brought so much joy to others. Her generosity and caring will bring you to tears.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/23

Full Review

Paul A

"Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over" (2021 release; 95 min) is a bio-documentary about the life and times of the legendary singer. Dionne herself does most of the talking, as she reflects on her very humble beginnings working her way up to get the approval of the Apollo Theater audience, and then eventually getting noticed by/pairing up with Burt Bacharach and Hal David... Couple of comments: this documentary is co-directed by Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner ("Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland"). It is in every which way a straight-forward, Dionne Warwick-approved and endorsed look at the music icon. The documentary's first half is by far the more interesting one, when we watch how Warwick, backed by the impeccable songs from Bacharach-David, is able to bridge the otherwise impassable gap between "black" and "white" audiences. Check out the early video clip of the breakthrough song "Don't Make Me Over'. Just priceless. Check out as well how Warwick reacts to what it was like touring in the deep South in the mid-60s (the all-out unapologetic racism and worse remains shocking to this day, but hey, that was America!). The film's second half is okay but just okay. There is a seemingly endless parade of talking heads singing the praises of Ms. Warwick (But Bacharach, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Barry Gordon Jr., Elton John, Clive Davis, and on and on). There isn't a single negative or critical note or question in the entire documentary. "Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over" premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and then was optioned by CNN+, the streaming service which died on the vine in no time. The documentary finally started showing on CNN yesterday (New Year's Day) and that's where I caught it. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just a casual fan of Dionne Warwick, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Dominique S

Can't say anything about this Queen. Nothing but talent and new information

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

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David Heilbroner

Director

Dave Wooley

Director

Dionne Warwick

Self

Burt Bacharach

Self

Clive Davis

Self

Elton John

Self

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Chris Azzopardi

New York Times

Overall, “Don’t Make Me Over” gets the job done, albeit in a formulaic, straightforward fashion.

Feb 2, 2023

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Variety

The movie truly understands what a transformational figure she was.

Mar 9, 2022

Full Review

tt stern-enzi

WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)

Warwick and Peterson created musical moments attuned to either race or another marginalized group and compelled their audiences to join these movements.

Oct 6, 2021

Full Review

Matt Roush

TV Insider

Even so, the industry didn’t always know where she fit in, and Warwick proudly displays a European record cover displaying a white woman’s image...

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 6, 2023

Full Review

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

This documentary doesn't uncover new information, but it's a thoroughly engaging and comprehensive look at the life and career of the talented, sassy, and outspoken Dionne Warwick.

Dec 31, 2022

Full Review

Christopher Bourne

In Review Online

Heilbroner and Wooley ... don't even attempt to make a visually or formally interesting film. This is about as standard as doc packages get.

Nov 19, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

DON'T MAKE ME OVER reveals the intimate stories behind a pioneering artist who took charge of her own career and smashed through cultural, racial and gender barriers to become the soundtrack for generations. The documentary feature brings to life the real Dionne Warwick -- the artist behind timeless hits such as What the World Needs Now, Say a Little Prayer and Don't Make Me Over. What few people know, is that behind the iconic music is a strong woman whose fierce determination not only brought her worldwide success, but also a voice she used to fight for humanitarian causes.

Director: David Heilbroner, Dave Wooley
Executive Producer: Geralyn White Dreyfous, Michelle Freeman, Wes Hall, Raymond F. Schinazi, Regina K. Scully
Screenwriter: Dave Wooley, Dave Wooley
Production Co: E1 Entertainment, Endeavor Content, Wooley Entertainment., Mister Smith Entertainment
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 2, 2023

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