Written and directed by Darnell Martin, this film is packed with fun and smiles and what I’m told is a true representation of how a small recording studio began recording blues music and eventually gave birth to rock and roll in 1955 with Chuck Berry (Mos Def).Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess is strong and driven, and Jeffrey Wright is dramatic as Muddy Waters. Beyonce Knowles is beautiful and sensual as Etta James.
It is billed as a tale of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in the 50’s in Chicago. If you like this type of music, then it will be well worth the viewing. Even my husband enjoyed it – though critics agree the original recordings are superior to the solid soundtrack versions.
Written and Directed by Darnell Martin
Produced by Andrew Lack, Sofia Sondervan
Cast:
Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric The Entertainer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eamonn Walker, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles
Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric The Entertainer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eamonn Walker, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles
Rated R, 108 minutes
