Get On Up (2014)

My Review

“Get On Up” is a biopic of singer James Brown telling of abandonment by his parents as a baby, impoverished childhood in the South, his immense talent that lead to stardom, drug problems, troubled relationships, and more that make for heavy drama. Director Tate Taylor (“The Help” 2011) put together an engrossing drama and fitting tribute to the “Godfather of Soul” with help from a well written screenplay by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.

Chadwick Boseman is a perfect James Brown; this picture largely hinges on his stunning performance. Co-stars include Nelson Ellis, Dan Ackroyd, Viola Davis, Lennie James, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Keith Robinson, and Charles R. Rooney as President Lyndon B. Johnson. The watchable “Get On Up” was a flop at the box office for producer Mick Jagger, Imagine Entertainment, Wyolah Films, Jadded Films, and Universal Pictures.