From Tate Taylor, director of The Help, comes one of the best films of the year. The James Brown biopic featured an outstanding ensemble cast lead by the incredible Chadwick Boseman, most known for his role as Jackie Robinson in 42 (who could definitely be a James Brown impersonator if, you know, this whole acting thing doesn't pan out). The cast also featured The Help's Academy Award nominee Viola Davis, Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, and Nelsan Ellis, who portrayed Brown's mother, aunt, and lifelong best friend Bobby Byrd, respectively. Comic Craig Robinson and Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd also joined the cast.
It did, however, have some bizarre parallels to Jersey Boys, which was released less than a month and a half prior. Both were (obviously) musical biopics which told the tale of group divided by their frontman's proclivity to go solo and both were narrated via breaking the fourth wall. Maybe we'll see them both at the Academy Awards.
The heart wrenching life story of the Godfather of Soul was broken up by an interesting non-linear narrative and plenty of funk music.
It was dramatically compelling, beautifully written, and wonderfully well made.
Also, it made my sister cry
4.5/5 Get on Up and get your Oscars.
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