It certainly is an interesting time to see Get on Up. James Brown, cast by Chadwick Boseman, is a controversial singer with a life worth seeing on film. Other than various television crime dramas, Boseman’s also known for portraying the legendary Jackie Robinson in 2013’s 42, so he’s no stranger to biopics about influential African-Americans in pop culture history. This time Boseman is joining director Tate Taylor, known for The Help. Does Boseman and the cast bring their best in Get on Up, or do they lack what this godfather had: soul?
The film focuses on the life of James Brown, one of the founding fathers of funk. As a child, Brown’s mother left him with his abusive father, who later went to war. James grew up under his aunt and developed an appreciation for music. He was later arrested for stealing a suit and met Bobby Byrd. They become good friends and gained fame after forming the group known as “The Famous Flames.” From there, Get on Up focuses on Brown’s success, his failures, his relationship with Byrd, and his family issues.
Get on Up showcases Brown’s life and emphasizes that he was not the perfect person. He had quite a few shortcomings with his attitude and actions and the film did address some of this. However, I think they might have held back. Whether it was keeping the PG-13 rating or fear of disrespecting Brown’s legacy, there should be moments of special impact for showing his successes and failures. The flashbacks were also confusing. The plot is pretty straightforward and the audience does get to see the singer’s history and the social times he was part of.
What really makes the film memorable is Boseman’s performance as Brown. He does the ‘Godfather of Soul’ justice and makes up for anything that might seem uninspiring. He brings a sense of personality and intensity to the singer that is much needed for the film to succeed. Most of the supporting cast does a fantastic job as well, such as Dan Akyroyd, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer. Though you’re likely going to see Nelsan Ellis as Bobby Byrd the most, as he plays off very well to Boseman’s Brown; the two have very good chemistry.
Even if it’s not completely accurate, Get on Up was a good watch. It may have been better if the intensity of Brown’s life was taken the extra mile, but it did showcase the highlights and how he grew up. The film is particularly memorable thanks to the performance of Boseman, who has recently been confirmed by Marvel Studios to star as the superhero Black Panther in phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Boseman and the supporting cast are the primary reason to see this movie. Not everyone may like it, but for the most part, Get on Up please, please, pleased me.
-Brady Lass