POSITIVES…
Fans of Aretha Franklin should want to watch this. Those who aren’t familiar with her, should at least check this out.
A series of historical scenes and significant moments in her life drives the narrative of this story well enough, but it’s the cast of actors that truly makes this movie.
If it isn’t already obvious, Jennifer Hudson is one of the main reasons to watch this movie. She is amazing. Her singing voice is amazing.
Forest Whitaker as Aretha’s Father is a commanding presence that isn’t easily ignored.
Marlon Wayans is incredible as Ted White, and is just excellent acting besides Jennifer Hudson.
Got to give a shout out to Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler. Definitely one of my favorite supporting actors in this huge ensemble.
Speaking of special mentions, Skye Dakota Turner plays young Aretha Franklin, and she is awesome playing that chapter of her life.
At a certain point in the film, it focuses more on the songs. We like more of the songs, so that was okay with me!
I do like it when movies use the lyrics of songs to contextualize what’s going on in the story.
The section focusing on Alabama, Musical Shoals, is arguably the most dynamic part of the movie, and I could have watched a whole movie just based on that.
NEGATIVES…
It's a movie biopic, and has all the flaws that are usually associated with them.
Historical gaps and unnecessary details in the narrative are just some of the trappings that come with biopics.
Real life or not, there’s a very familiar plot progression that you’ve seen before.
There’s this whole scene involving racism that might be triggering to some.
In addition, there is a loose end in the plot that I wished was resolved in the movie.
Ultimately you really just want to only listen to Jennifer Hudson sing those Aretha Franklin songs, and everything else feels superfluous.
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
