Review of Get On Up (2014) by Joshua M — 23 May 2016

Unfortunately, this film is a little too "soft-handed" on its subject, and it does not go deep enough into exploring all of the complexities as an icon throughout his various eras; it would rather do that than bring him down and cast him in a more human (i.

E.relatable) light. Still, what elevates this film above schlock is the two wonderful lead performances by Chadwick Boseman and Nelsan Ellis (portraying Bobby Byrd). As Brown, Boseman embodies the man and his many reinventions with his entire soul.

He throws everything he has got into his channeling of the "Hardest Working Man in Show Biz." Ellis also carries a lot of the hefty dramatic scenes with great aplomb in his role. The supporting cast is full of some other fine acting from the likes of Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and (an underutilized) Craig Robinson.