Review of Cadillac Records (2008) by Jesse M — 05 Aug 2009

A great primer for the Chess Records back catalogue. Unfortunately it's hampered by being a fairly by the numbers rock n roll bio film. All the performances are fine, Adrien Brody shines as Leonard Chess who starts up the label in a predominantly black neighborhood in late 40's Chicago.

Jeffrey Wright is equally good as Muddy Waters, the blues icon that put Chess on the map. Mos Def is great as Chuck Berry, unfortunately his story is glossed over and given minimal screen time. Beyonce dirties her image as a profanity spewing Etta James, and holds her own with the talented cast.

All in all, the stories of all these men and women would make for quality biopics. Crammed into a less than two hour film though, we seem to get cliffs notes versions of real music icons.