Cadillac Records (2008)

One of the best films i have seen

Just perfect...

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

Many of (Beyoncé Knowles)'s crazy fans don't know that this movie of her does exist. "Why is that ?" has a lot to do with the movie itself.It's about a phase in the history of music. Back when the power of blues and rock 'n' roll was between the black hands. But while having a lot of drama, there wasn't much of psychoanalysis for its characters.Let's clear something up : There is a difference between a newscast on one side, and a movie on the other. In the first kind there is information, and at the second there is the explanation of it. One is about what, and the other is about why. Nevertheless, in this movie, the stars of singing along with their producers are presented as psychos, addicts, and loose adulterers, for no reasons. Otherwise, the rule is to be psycho, addict, and loose adulterer to work in the art business !!So, why not relating the bohemian life style with the privation of those characters ? Consequently living in excess may be the answer for a first living in indigence. Why nearly all of them lacked the stability or the desire to it ? Is it for hating their grandfathers for it, the same grandfathers who left their lives for the white man to control and humiliate ? The thing is this movie doesn't explain or even try to !So with the exception of (Etta James), all the shown men were having emotional problems for what exactly ? (Adrien Brody)'s character (Leonard Chess) was happily married then a cheater ? Here's where the movie gets weird. Hence I felt for most of the time that I turn over an album of old photos, more than watching a movie that deals finely with the inner of its leads. Then, how come that the movie forgets putting boards for the years where the events are taking place, until it's too late ? How come the theater where (Chuck Berry) always sings looks like a dark narrow room ? And how come (Adrien Brody) throughout the whole movie doesn't age at all unlike the rest of characters ?(Brody) is (Brody) in every movie I watch for him. Obviously, I do not like the guy, and for a damn objective reason : he doesn't convince me much with whatever he plays. Look at the scene of dying; truly pathetic. However this time I blame the script too. On the contrary, (Jeffrey Wright) was very good. (Eamonn Walker) seemed like anyone but himself. (Beyoncé) enjoyed us utterly, being to great extent the best of this movie and not due to her great body only, but of course for the effective portrayal and the incredible singing. The moment of burying the harmonica player, with (Elvis Presley) singing in the background, embodied perfectly the death of the company. Then mixing old track with rap music was so bright; since it says that this modern phase is another step of development which may lead to another revolution ahead. It put beautifully and softly the rap music at a respectful place in the staircase of progress, assuring that it's the voice of its age, just like the blues and rock 'n' roll were for their ages.It's insightful and sad movie. However missed being more profound and dense; a quality I find and love in most of (Martin Scorsese) and (Oliver Stone)'s historical movies. So that's why, with not that big budget too, it looked like TV movie, not winning a good publicity either. Know now the answer of my first question !

As a musician and a fan of most of the acts portrayed in this film, I was intrigued. And indeed, it is a good biopic of sorts that does justice to Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, etc., and the way that those great records were made. Adrian Brody and Mos Def are especially fantastic. I rarely ever get disappointed with their movies, except for "Predators" and "Be Kind, Rewind", respectively. The former was just overall terrible and the latter was boring."Cadillac Records" does however have one MAJOR drawback. Beyonce. For starters, I can't stand her voice. Doesn't matter if she's singing her crappy pop music or doing Etta James songs. Also, she can't act. Comparing this role to her role in the travesty that was "Austin Powers: Goldmember", where her lines were nothing more than stereotypical blaxploitation toss-offs, in "Cadillac Records" all of her lines are the usual music bio-pic rigmarole. And in both films, they're delivered with the emotional range of a piece of cardboard.So, if you like musical bio-pics or are a fan of any of the people involved with either the story or the movie itself, give this a go. But be sure to fast forward through the parts with Beyonce. You'll thank me for it later.

Muddy Waters' story is, without a doubt, a fascinating one. His more than impressive rise from rags to riches - not to mention his relentless importance for the music industry - is something that every screenwriter would like to sink his or her teeth into. When also taking into account that one of the most talented actors of his generation has chosen to play this cultural icon, no-one would want to doubt the final cut.However, for some reason, 'Cadillac Records' doesn't stick. To be honest, the first viewing was quite an ordeal in itself. From his first until his last appearance on screen, Jeffrey Wright shines. The incredible instilled intensity is something I have personally been impressed by since his titular role in 'Basquiat' - where he was supported by a cast of cult actors including Christopher Walken, David Bowie and the late Dennis Hopper. 'Cadillac Records' also has a great supporting cast, but they all don't really seem to care. Even the prolific Adrien Brody seems to neglect the importance of his role with a nonchalance which an person in his position should be ashamed of. Wright, however, manages to carry the film all the way through and thus makes the film bearable - but only just.The script, which tries to be popculturally stylistic at moments where this is completely uncalled for, is a shambles. Seemingly focusing more on the presentation of a coherent period illustration than on the music and characteristics of Waters' music, the film essentially shows us no more than a bunch of unimpressive people doing unimpressive thinks - except for you-know-who. Furthermore, the success of sentimentally-tinted biopics in the past seemed to have inspired 'Cadillac Records'' filmmakers a great deal, as it seems to have been thrown all over this particular canvas in inconsiderate, clumsy proportions. And what to say about Cedric The Entertainer than that if he ever does a similar voice-over to the one he performs here... then I don't know what will happen - but whatever will, it won't be pretty.Generally, I won't advise you to watch this film, unless you're a Jeffrey Wright fan.

Wow, I've never seen a biopic take such liberties with facts... to the point that the film even invents a murder that never happened. But in all fairness, so did "Amadeus".The point of the film, however, is not to present facts but to foster interest. That much is said in the director's commentary: she says that if people become interested to learn more about these (and other) classic artists, then the film has done its job.Then by all means, it succeeded. The names of Muddy Waters, Etta James, Little Walter & Howlin Wolf have always been a footnote to the general public (including myself). But now I'll definitely take notice.If you're already a blues aficianado, then I doubt you'll care much for this film. But if you're part of the target audience--those who are not familiar with the origin of rock'n'roll or who think erroneously (as I did) that Elvis was the one who started it all--then this movie is worth a watch.I'll give you one warning. It gets ugly. This is NOT a film to be showcased during Black History Month! It portrays many of these artists at their worst: drug-addicted, alcoholic, violent, sex-crazed, uneducated, selfish and perpetually angry. The film has a very cynical, malicious vibe. But I think this was done with a specific intent; the director seemed to be making a strong metaphor to today's gangsta rap, probably with the hopes of reaching a young generation that never appreciated blues & rock'n'roll. I thought that was an interesting angle, though it must offend many blues purists.So there you have it... Don't expect facts. Don't expect history. Don't expect many feel-good moments. Instead expect a very stylish drama about the Chicago 'hood with a lot of sex, drugs & rock'n'roll. I know it sounds like I'm disparaging the movie, but I'm not. I really thought it was an interesting presentation.