Gospel music great, rhythm-and-blues icon, civil rights activist and all-around living legend Mavis Staples is celebrated with the infectiously joyful enthusiasm of a passionately devoted fan in “Mavis!,” a spirited and captivating bio-doc that richly deserves the exclamation point in its title. Director Jessica Edwards adroitly entwines archival material, newly filmed interviews and live performances to create a cinematic portrait quite capable of converting the uninitiated into acolytes, and elevating casual interest to flood-tide levels of respect and affection. As the film progresses from the fest circuit to limited theatrical release to home-screen platforms, audiences will want to watch — and then do it again.
Of course, there’s more to the story of Mavis Staples than just Mavis Staples. “Mavis!” tracks back to the singer’s childhood in Chicago’s South Side — where her neighbors included Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield — and gives due props to Roebuck “Pops” Staples, her musically inclined father.
Of course, there’s more to the story of Mavis Staples than just Mavis Staples. “Mavis!” tracks back to the singer’s childhood in Chicago’s South Side — where her neighbors included Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield — and gives due props to Roebuck “Pops” Staples, her musically inclined father.
- 3/31/2015
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety - Film News
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