Ray

If you pay any attention to movies at all, chances are you heard about the rave reviews Jamie Foxx was getting for his portrayal of Ray Charles. Those reviews are spot on - Foxx is perfect. The supporting cast, too, is quite good. And, obviously, the film's music is terrific. The movie itself, though, didn't quite measure up to the acting performances or the music. There were times when it went above and beyond your standard biopic, but others when it felt like I was watching something I'd already seen. Also, when the movie has run its two and a half hour course, things still feel strangely unfinished. Certainly, though, it's worth watching for the tremendous performances and great soundtrack. My grade: B+

Synopsis: Soul singer Ray Charles' life transpires on-screen, from his humble beginnings in Georgia, where he went blind at the age of seven, to his pre-fame life touring the South, and on to his career as one of the most enduring, inimitable performers in modern music. (via Imdb)

Director: Taylor Hackford (The Devil's Advocate)
Writers: James L. White and Taylor Hackford
Stars: Jamie Foxx (Collateral), Kerry Washington (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Regina King (Miss Congeniality 2), Clifton Powell (Dead Presidents), Bokeem Woodbine (The Big Hit), Harry J. Lennix (The Matrix Reloaded), Sharon Warren, Aunjanue Ellis (Men of Honor), David Krumholtz (10 Things I Hate About You), Curtis Armstrong (Risky Business)

Useless Trivia: Director Taylor Hackford secured the rights to Ray Charles's life story in 1987 but couldn't find a studio to finance the film. When the film did go into production, it was shot without studio backing. Once it was completed, Universal stepped in to distribute partly because one of the studio's executives was a big fan, who used to hitchhike to Hollywood to watch Ray Charles concerts.