Get Down!!! Boseman Delivers Strong in James Brown Biopic!!!
By: Brandon Porter
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| Entertainer, Pioneer, Survivor, Legend. James Brown. |
Story
Before
he rose to fame as one of music’s most influential artist, James Joseph Brown,
Jr (Chadwick Boseman) was a poverty riddled street kid from the south side of
Augusta, Georgia. Abandoned by his mother and raised by his aunt, James’s
determination, heart, and swagger helped him go from trouble maker to the
immortal title of “Godfather of Soul!!!” This is his story.
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| Brown in the studio with his wife Dee Dee |
Analysis
Get On Up served as the first biopic to tell the story of
James Brown’s life. With Tate Taylor, director of the 2011 hit film The Help, directing and rising star
Chadwick Boseman in the lead role. All signs pointed to a memorable on-screen
tribute to Mr. Brown. In the end, the film did well. Despite opening #3 at the
box office behind Lucy and Guardians of the Galaxy with a $14 million dollar
opening weekend, the film was met with very positive reviews. The movie scored
an admirable 77% certified fresh rating from critics and a 77% fresh rating
from audiences. Fans and critics agree that this film solidly captures the
spirit of one of music’s greatest artists.
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| James and Bobby Byrd show out in London |
Review
As a
fan of Chadwick Boseman and very aware of James Brown’s influence on modern
music, I was eager to see how Tate Taylor was going to bring the story of James
Brown to the big screen. After seeing the film, I was very satisfied with the
finished product. Get On Up is a well told chronicling of Brown’s triumphs and
tribulations. However, it doesn’t seem to have the type of dramatic punch that
I expected from it. One reason for this is that the film seems to be all over
the place. The story takes place in one time period then jumps to four
different others. It was hard to stay invested in the story when it takes you
on a straight zig zag. In terms of performances, their all solid Boseman is
terrific as James Brown and captures the essence of the man we know. From the
dancing to the demeanor, I could tell Boseman gave his all in prepping for his
role. Other however seem to be quite underutilized. Others like Jill Scott,
Craig Robinson, Tika Sumpter, and Octavia Spencer seem pushed to the side a
bit. I understand this is James Brown’s story, but with a terrific collection
of talent like this, It would have been nice to see them used more. All in all
Get on Up is a very good film that brings on a new found respect for all he
accomplished. One can only hope others take inspiration from his story and
apply it to their own lives.
Rating and Final Thoughts
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Behind Boseman’s electric performance, the biopic of James
Brown is a well thought out and mainly well executed tribute to the godfather
of soul.
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The funk is in full effect as the audiences alike gain new
found respect for one of music’s greatest entertainers
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