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The Lifetime Network knows how to get people talking and their latest biopic about Toni Braxton, “Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart” had everyone on the edge of their seats Saturday night.

The singer’s life was depicted in the two-hour TV special that began when she was discovered by L.A. Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds in 1989.

The film touches on all the highs and lows of her career, with heavy emphasis on her financial difficulties which ultimately lead to her filing for bankruptcy twice. Leaving no stone unturned, the film brings to light her father’s nine-year infidelity and close bond with her four sisters.

For those of us who are familiar with the seven time Grammy award-winner, her battle with lupus, son’s autism and marriage/divorce from ex-huband Keri Lewis is no surprise. We expected those storylines.

But what had everyone in shock was how quickly her $22 million settlement was spent from her LaFace Records lawsuit, how Pebbles allegedly took advantage of her finances, how time was condensed to tell the many storylines in a matter of two hours, and the on-spot casting of her mother, Evelyn and sister, Tamar Braxton.

“We skipped … years in a short period of time,” The Root‘s Twitter account noted.

Unlike Aaliyah and Whitney Houston’s Lifetime biopics, Braxton was very involved in the film. From casting the fresh-faced actress Lex Scott Davis to being involved with the writing and promotion of the film, she made sure there was accuracy in her story.

Pros of the film are its honest account of her financial issues and reminding all of us of her exceptional vocal talent, and tenacity in the face of crisis. Cons are that there are some time jumps including a random appearance from President Barack Obama which take from the creditability of the movie.

All and all the consensus is that Toni deserves all the praise and despite her many professional and personal blows, she will never break.

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