James Brown: Get On Up
  • Storyline
  • Acting
  • Worth Seeing
4.3

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, is going Hollywood!

Get On Up, the new biopic now out in theaters, tells the story of James Brown’s incredible rise to stardom, and features some stellar star talent. Chadwick Boseman, of 42 fame, plays Brown, while Dan Akroyd, Viola Davis, and Nelson Ellis round out the supporting cast. Mix in the four-time Oscar nominated Tate Taylor as director and we have all the trappings for a fantastic flick!

Boseman plays a near-perfect Brown, making sure to capture all the little details of Brown’s essence, including his signature dance moves, his boisterous stage presence, and his occasional volatile behavior. Get On Up also touches on the corruption of the music world in the ‘50s and ‘60s, giving audiences a gripping plot and a reason to root for Brown’s success. It’s not quite a “brand new bag,” since we are familiar with the soul-singer’s story, but it’s about time Hollywood gave Brown the recognition he deserves.

Summer is always a competitive season for Hollywood — not only do movies have to compete against one another, but they’re up against people hanging outdoors, which means less time spent in theaters. But since its release on August 1st, Get On Up has received solid reviews from both critics and audiences alike. And if you’re going to take a break from the beach or a barbecue, checking out a movie that features fantastic music and a fascinating true story isn’t a bad choice.

What do you think? Are you going to get on up…and check it out?