Review of Rai (1995) by Joe H — 11 Mar 2014

Anchored by some powerful performances but ultimately a middling and formulaic biopic, the filmmakers behind Ray should have learned a thing or two from their titular and innovative subject. Based on the life of a man who made his living by daring to be different, too often the film just feels too familiar.

And while Foxx's performance represents only the best of Hollywood mimicry, it succeeds only on a surface level and is unable to get to the roots of Charles' signature mannerisms. But that is probably the screenwriter's fault.