I was also distracted by Queen Latifah's glow in the movie. Halfway through I realized it was because of the golden tan they gave her so she would look dark skinned. I assuming it was self tanner because her skin was luminous all over. I guess it's bad that this is the only thing I came away with after seeing her performance.
Monique, on the other hand was amazing and left me wanting more. HBO would be foolish not to give her a Ma Rainey movie.