GET ON UP (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Get On Up tells a straight up, no nonsense story about the life of pop/jazz singer James Brown from his youth to his successful career. Set in the 1950s to 2006, the movie incorporates the talents of actor Chadwick Boseman for the part of James Brown. While Boseman seems, at times, to overdo the James Brown persona (as if he is not comfortable with this persona), he does a good rendition of a hard act to follow due to the James Brown stage intensity. Watch for outstanding performances by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Dan Akroyd, Craig Ellis, and Craig Robinson. This is an adult audience film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Singer James Brown’s story from his childhood through his successful musical career. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tate Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer, Mick Jagger, Tate Taylor, and Victoria Pearman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: James Brown (Chadwick Boseman), Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis), Ben Bart (Dan Aykroyd), Susie Brown (Viola Davis), Joe Brown (Lennie James), Syd Nathan (Fred Melamed),John Starks (Jamal Batiste), Maceo Parker (Craig Robinson), Dee-Dee Jenkins (Jill Scott), Aunt Honey Washington (Octavia Spencer), Big Junior (Atkins Estimond), Ralph Bass (Josh Hopkins), Little Richard (Brandon Mychal Smith), Yvonne Fair (Tika Sumpter), and Vicki Anderson (Aunjanue Ellis). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a well written story and gives a strong presentation of the music that James Brown was most famous for among his fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers