Respect, a biography about Aretha Franklin's career, is a lot better than I expected. Jennifer Hudson's performance was worthy of an Oscar nomination but for some reason she was snubbed. Hudson's singing embodies Aretha's intensity and totally makes the movie.
Forest Whitaker plays Aretha's domineering preacher father and disappears into the role. Marlon Wayans plays Ted White, Re's first husband and manager. Both men are controlling and Aretha's career doesn't take off until she is able to break ties with both. Her song "Respect" takes on new meaning while watching the film.
The sets, period clothes and hair are perfect.
Critics probably wanted a more upbeat film but Aretha's life was a slow climb to success and independence. All in all, "Respect" is better than most of the stuff currently on Netflix.
Although at 2-1/2 hours it is slightly long, we enjoyed "Respect" without thinking about using the fast forward button.
Best watched with Trader Joe's Brownie Crisp Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches.
95% Audience Score on RT
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/respect_2021 
