I finally got a chance to see the James Brown biopic, "Get On Up" on Tuesday night. I was very impressed! Let me admit from the outset that the music of James Brown doesn't really resonate with me at all. While I understand the impact he made and how revered he was I just don't really care about his music one way or the other. Guess I'm not much into soul or R&B. Still, the film was captivating. Chadwich Boseman was mesmerizing! The first time I saw Mr. Boseman was in "42", another biopic but about Jackie Robinson. This guy has a stellar career ahead of him, and this film should make him a megastar.
The film is very interesting. Director Tate Taylor chose to present Brown's story not in chronological order but thematically. The story jumps around in time frequently, bouncing from Brown's childhood to various points in his life depending on the element or theme being pursued. Boseman also regularly breaks the "fourth wall", engaging the camera/audience directly. The effect is quite unlike your average film experience.
I'll concede I didn't know a lot about Brown's life. According to my research the film is basically pretty accurate; the deviations from reality seem to be omissions. No one film has enough time to cover a man's whole life story. The first real awareness I had of Brown was when he performed in Rocky 4!
And of course I remember the chase and arrest.
Again, even with me not really being into the music it was compelling. Boseman really captures the mannerisms and can dance up a storm! If you like the music of James Brown this one is a no-brainer.
Get On Up gets a big thumbs-up from me!
