Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Chadwick Boseman | ... | James Brown | |
Nelsan Ellis | ... | Bobby Byrd | |
Dan Aykroyd | ... | Ben Bart | |
Viola Davis | ... | Susie Brown | |
Lennie James | ... | Joe Brown | |
Fred Melamed | ... | Syd Nathan | |
Craig Robinson | ... | Maceo Parker | |
Jill Scott | ... | DeeDee Brown | |
Octavia Spencer | ... | Aunt Honey | |
Josh Hopkins | ... | Ralph Bass | |
Brandon Mychal Smith | ... | Little Richard (as Brandon Smith) | |
Tika Sumpter | ... | Yvonne Fair | |
Aunjanue Ellis | ... | Vicki Anderson | |
Tariq Trotter | ... | Pee Wee Ellis | |
Aloe Blacc | ... | Nafloyd Scott |
On route to the stage, singer James Brown recalls a life with a turbulent childhood where music was his only constructive release for his passions. A chance demonstration of that in prison led to a new friend who helped get him out and into a musical career. With his fire and creative daring, Brown became a star who defiantly created new possibilities in show business both on and behind the stage in face of racism and conventional thinking. Along the way, James would also become a peacemaker who redefined and raised the African-American community's feeling of self-worth when it was needed most. However, those same domineering passions would lead James Brown alienating everyone around him as his appetites became ever more self-destructive. Only after he hit rock bottom with a serious mistake does Brown realize what he needs to do make his life as the Godfather of Soul truly worthwhile. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
I know folks have been talking about a James Brown biopic for years and I secretly hoped that it would not come to pass. I feared that it would be butchered in an attempt to "butts in the seats". I know folks need to make money but don't kill something wonderful in the process. This movie was WAY better than I had hoped. Kudos to Mick Jagger and a standing ovation for Mr. Chadwick Boseman.
I did not see "42" but the brotha knocked this one clean out of the park. Loved seeing Voila Davis, Octavia Spencer and my girl Jill Scott as well. Of course, the music was amazing! I couldn't get over how Boseman captured James Brown's pattern of speech, walk, dance moves, etc. This performance was electric. Now I have to go read, "The One" to find out how much was fact and how much was fiction.
If you have any interest whatsoever in JB music, catch this one!