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Cadillac Records
Directed by: Darnell Martin Starring: Jeffrey Wright Genre: Musical/Drama Run Time: 109 min. Release Date: December 2008 On The Web: Official Site Teaser: Movie Trailer Reviewed by Byron Merritt |
It’s becoming all too obvious that I enjoy films with great music. Add a historical bent to it and you’ve REALLY got me hooked. So, no surprise, CADILLAC RECORDS captivated me. As the older musical population dies out, most of our youth have no idea where the origins of their music revolution started. A sad but true statement that can be tested by asking any person under 30 who Muddy Waters was. Or Little Walter. Or Etta James. They may not even know the name Chuck Berry! Gasp! Cadillac Records helps set the historical record straight. A true story surrounding a white man named Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody, HOLLYWOODLAND) who signs some of the most noted (and destructive) musical talent of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, he set up a studio and was the first white man to pull in men (and women) of color. Most notable among them was the amazing Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright, LADY IN THE WATER), a blues plucking sharecropper barely out of slavery who’s voice and guitar sounds struck a chord with the public. Along with him came Little Walter (Columbus Short) who’s harmonica playing startled all who heard it. And later came Howlin’ Wolf (Eamonn Walker) and the incredible Etta James (Beyonce Knowles, DREAMGIRLS). And who could ever forget the incomparable Chuck Berry (Mos Def, 16 BLOCKS). All of these men and women signed on with Cadillac Records and became smash hits overnight. But with success came tumult. Drugs, racism, womanizing, money, and personal conflict all took tolls on these amazing players. For me, the best parts of this flick were watching Jeffrey Wright live the life of Muddy. His voice and mannerisms made me feel like I was watching a reincarnation of the man and not simply a characterization (which is why I feel Wright should’ve gotten top billing for the film and not Adrien Brody). There were two large acting surprises for me, too: Beyonce and Mos Def. Both aren’t known for their acting abilities, particularly Mos Def since his annoying performance in 16 Blocks. Beyonce did okay in Dreamgirls, but here she shines with a new light as Etta James. Watching her sing "At Last" sent chills up my spine. She grasped the significance of that song and pulled down a truly inspired role. And Mos Def as Chuck Berry really surprised me. He leapt around and swooned just like the stock footage I’d seen of Berry. Great job. The sets, costumes, and filming were simply exemplary, too. I really felt like I was in the 40s thru 60s. The only flaw in the film was that it really had no plot. There wasn’t a goal ...other than to show you the lives of these wonderful and tormented men and women. But that didn’t bother me overly much. Still, it’s something to consider when watching it. No review would be complete without mentioning the soundtrack. Astounding! The tunes are a walk down memory lane and recount the history of who started the new music revolution. Beach Boy fans and Led heads (Led Zeppelin fans) beware! Yo kids! Wanna know where rap came from?
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Image from Cadillac Records
DVD cost: $30.03 Film Review Stew Favorite? No. Stew Poo-Poo? No. Newsworthy: Matt Dillon was originally meant to play Leonard Chess but ultimately couldn't do the movie. Adrien Brody replaced him. Movie Quote: "Mr. Waters. We're big fans. We named our band after one of your songs."
Other Actors/Actresses from Cadillac Records
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Images from Cadillac Records
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