Go see Ray and you will witness what I predict
is an Oscar-nominated performance, that is if you can
stay awake. The problem with biopics is that they tend
to be too long and too slow. And, unfortunately, Ray did
not escape that. We needed less length (2 hours and 32
minutes) and maybe a little more VH-1 Behind the Music
excitement. Don't get me wrong; I wanted it to be a classy
cinematic event and it was. Taylor Hackford is a good
director/producer and has been a part of many strong films
such as When We Were Kings and An Officer
and a Gentleman. However, the pace of this movie
was sluggish, at best. Thank goodness for the music.
Now, let me be clear about our star. Jamie's performance
was incredible: absolutely phenomenal! Additionally,
there are wonderful offerings from Regina King, Kerry
Washington, Sharon Warren, Clifton Powell, and Bokeem
Woodbine. It is worth seeing and it definitely took
me back to being 10 years old and managing to pilfer
two old 45s from the back of my grandmother's closet.
Believe me when I say Ray Charles Robinson never sounded
better than when I accompanied him on "What'd I
Say" and "Hit the Road Jack". We were
quite a duo. Still, my fond memories were not enough
to keep me from repeatedly checking the time and trying
to rush Charles' life along a little faster.
Knowing that Charles was involved with the film before
his death, I trust that most of what we see is factual.
The key moments in the artist's childhood are seen in
flashbacks; and it is those images from his youth that
cause Ray (Jamie) tremendous psychological turmoil well
into his 40's. We meet Ray as he is leaving north Florida
for his first gig in Seattle, WA, where immediately
people try to take advantage of the "bama"
blind eighteen-year old. But, clinging tightly to the
advice of his mother, Aretha (Sharon), Ray manages to
handle things pretty well.
As he builds his career, Ray encounters several others
who are also trying to establish themselves in the music
industry including Quincy Jones (Larenz) and Lowell
Fulson (Chris). But, it is his relationships with his
wife Bea (Kerry), his mistress Margie (Regina), and
his manager Jeff (Clifton) that best reflect the incredible
roller coaster ride that was Charles' life. Addicted
to heroin for 20 years and haunted by horrible demons,
Ray still managed to crush every stereotype in the music
industry and create an unforgettable sound. Along the
way, he breaks many hearts and tests as many friendships.
But, it's Ray Charles and just as all who knew him,
I couldn't help but fall in love just a little bit,
too.
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