Ray (Widescreen Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Ray (Widescreen Edition)
Movie Review: Oscar contender
Summary: 5 Stars
What a singularly fabulous film.
Sitting through this movie, you forget that someone is playing the role of Ray Charles. In an Oscar-worthy performance (and there were a number of others in this biopic), Jamie Foxx BECAME Ray Charles, much the same way Charlize Theron nailed her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wournous in "Monster."
The major difference of course, being that, despite his faults, Charles was a brilliant and talented individual who is sorely missed. "Monster" might have been a great movie, but it was disturbing to watch. "Ray" on the other hand, is a great movie that, despite being nearly 2 1/2 hours in length, simply breezes past... and you're almost sorry to see the credits roll at the end.
Other stellar performances include Sharon Warren, who plays Ray's mother, Aretha Robinson. She steals almost every scene she's in... and a quick check on IMDB.com reveals that this is her ONLY film (so far!). I'm guessing we'll see her again.
Kerry Washington does a superb job portraying Ray's wife, Della Bea Robinson. It's another award-worthy performance.
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You won't be able to sit still in your seat. Get out there and enjoy what will likely go down as one of, (if not THE) best films of 2004.
Oh. And take a careful look at Ahmet Ertegun, the Atlantic Records executive. If you think you've seen him before but you can't place the face... think "Revenge of the Nerds" or "Risky Business." The actor, Curtis Armstrong, had pretty significant roles in both films, but we haven't seen him in a long time.
Movie Review: Fine film; excellent performances
Summary: 5 Stars
I never had the opportunity to see this in the theatre, so when the DVD came out, I bought it immediately; not only for the great buzz surrounding the film, but that I've always loved Ray Charles' music. One thing I would advise first-time DVD viewers: don't watch the extended version first. Those extra scenes are included in a "deleted scenes" section on the DVD and most were left out for good reason. I didn't do that, and there was a certain amount of coherence missing. I've watched it a few times since, it's a wonderfully made film, which FINALLY earned Taylor Hackford a nomination as Best Director.I'm not going to go over the plot, or rehash the fact that this is a "warts 'n all" look at Charles' life. The acting is very fine; Foxx does it all, with excellent support from Kerry Washington (wife) and Regina King (mother). Ms. King, in particular, will bring a tear to your eye, a short but powerful display of fine acting. The Oscars are next week, and all indications are that Foxx will win the Oscar. His leading role in "Collateral" also garnered him a nomination, but...supporting? He'll definitely win something. Oscar odds-makers are suggesting that Foxx' performance in "Ray" was an impersonation. I think it went way beyond that, but who knows what goes through the minds of those idiots? The great Ray Charles has been given a loving tribute, complete with fine music, acting and period detail, not to mention very loving direction by Hackford.The DVD has lots of extras, and a lot of insight.This is essential viewing to any fan of the great Ray Charles Robinson.Movie Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
Jamie Foxx gives a moving performance channeling the tortured soul of Ray Charles, who passed away in 2004. Foxx gives insight into the life of Ray Charles as he tours the country and becomes one of the most innovative voices ever heard in America. Not only do we see his success, but we also see the roots of Ray's inner demons, the death of his brother that he blames on himself, and his promise to his mother that he "wouldn't let anybody turn him into no cripple." His mother told him that just because he was blind, he wasn't stupid. We see these demons come out in Ray's startling addiction to heroin and women. Ray falls into the life of the star, shooting up all the time, and cheating on his wife even more. Ray finds he needs her as his only support in tough times. The genius of Ray is the performance given by Foxx. From the musical performances that are eerily similar to Charles, to the startlingly real example of Charles's detox, Foxx is dead on.
The rest of the supporting cast is good, with an excellent Regina Washington as Ray's wife. All in all, this movie gives viewers a deeper delve into the things that haunted Ray, and how he overcame them to become the great singing sensation who produced "What'd I Say", "Georgia on My Mind", and "Hit the Road". Foxx deserves nothing less than an Oscar nomination, as this performance is the best I've seen in years. The film haunts the audience as we witness Ray finaly lifting the blame off his shoulders for what happened to his brother, and his mother helps him to quit heroin.
Movie Review: Starring role is not the only thing that shines!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's sad that this film turned out to be a tribute, instead of a celebration of a living legend. Thankfully Ray himself was deeply involved in the production, and knew the love & respect felt for him & his contributions. His musical impact & genius will remain unmatched for a long time, but not unrecognized.
Since the focus of this was Ray's early days, the tunes were AWESOME and many the general public is probably not familiar with. Thank goodness the decision was made to use Ray's original vocal tracks! VERY moving, and hearing his development while watching it portrayed in the context of his life is what really tore me up. VERY well done use of film to add impact to music that already is timeless. Just can't quite guess which Oscar goes to THAT... 'Best Soundtrack' would be a slight, it's such an understatement.
All the reviewers are raving about Jamie Foxx's portrayal. He did an excellent job, no doubt. I feel more strongly about the whole film than the individual performances, though. Very moving, and the story of Ray's development of his musical identity was stirring. All the cast was excellent, certainly Oscar material...
Certainly a MUST SEE for all lovers of GREAT R&B MUSIC!! , thumbs WAY up! (Exercise caution, this is NOT a 'family film' for the kiddies.) Hopefully there will be a sequel going through the rest of Ray's career;, with the buzz about Jamie Foxx in this one, it should be a sure thing. There is a whole lot of story left in this topic...
Movie Review: "POWERFUL AND DEEPLY MOVING".....
Summary: 5 Stars
That's all that needs to be said about "Ray," one of the best films of this year and of all time. I went into the film remembering Ray Charles as a musician my folks liked and came out with a greater respect and appreciation for the artist that he was. Like all of us, Ray had his demons and the film did not shy away from dealing with his womanizing and drug addiction. But to think of what this man accomplished as an artist is truly amazing. Jamie Foxx is brillant as Ray. If you are surprised by his performance here, don't be. He has managed to make every film I've seen him in watchable and in this one, he is mesmerizing. And he is not alone in turning in a fine performance. Ray is loaded with them, from Sharon Warren's exceptional performance as Ray's mother Aretha, to Kerry Washington's fine performance as Della Bea, Ray's wife. Last but not least, Regina King's performance burns with an intensity that jumps off the screen as Margie, Ray's favorite "Ray Lette." Ms. King has always been a presence, even in small roles and in this one, she goes for it and lets it all out. Taylor Hackford is a director who manages to get the best out of his actors and it is the acting and the music of Ray Charles that truly shines in this film. I saw Ray last night and this film has haunted me all day long, it is so deeply felt. If this isn't a big winner at the Oscars, Hollywood needs to stop giving the award out. This is Academy Awarding acting at its finest. A CLASSIC!