Rating of
2.5/4
Unknown - wrote on 08/09/14
The fact that this musical biopic takes a non-cliched narrative route is both it's best and worst asset. We see important moments in Brown's career told in slightly linear fashion, while other character building scenes (from different ages) are shown out-of-order amidst his rise to fame. I like this format. The downside is that it feels like multiple plot points are thrown together with little resolution. Besides this slight imbalance, the film is well done. The musical performances are terrific. However, the major reason to see this film is for Chadwick Boseman's impeccable portrayal of James Brown. It's good enough for an Oscar nomination at the least and I'd be surprised if Boseman doesn't receive the recognition.
