Review of Get On Up (2014) by Tyrannical K — 01 Aug 2014

This made my summer, a genuine classic nothing short of phenomenal in performance, singing and impacting messages. I usually worry sometimes as a black man that some of these black movies become too stereotypical that other races watch them and assume that we're summed up in a few short sentences.

This film dug in the heart and soul of the late James Brown. There was no filter, they showed the good times and the bad times. Since I've never seen The Help, I can only guess the concept of mixed scenes at various stages of this story is to be expected from this director as well as the few times actors need notice directly to the audience.

It was fun and playful, remarkably explained. I got nervous when the first few scenes jumped from one moment to the other but they returned on point and explained all that was needed. Now to give certain actors their props: (Spoiler Alert!) Chadwick Boseman, at first when I saw the trailer I wasn't sure if he could pull off James Brown as accurately but I thought the same thing about 42 as he played Jackie Robinson and was reassured that he can act a role very strongly with ease.

The dance moves, dialect, singing, everything was on the money. He is make a huge name for himself for time to come, great passion for his role. Nelsan Ellis also played his role thoroughly as the close friend and person who always had James Brown's best interest at heart (Bobby Byrd).

Time Sumpter, small role but still didn't allow herself to be ignored. Jill Scott, powerful role as the wife of James Brown (Dee Dee Brown). Viola Davis, Craig Robinson, Lennie James, Octavia Spencer, Dan Aykroyd, none of the cast gave a weak performance.

Every role was essential in its own way, at its right time. The movie did get long with so much to tell but we'll worth the time. I left the movies with inspiration and melody in my soul.