A RAY of Sunshine by Foxx

Rating: 8/10 (11 November 2004)

Greetings again from the darkness. Spent a little time absorbing this one before hitting the keyboard. Having seen the great Ray Charles perform live many times, I was slightly apprehensive about how his early years would be treated on film. When I heard Taylor Hackford ("Against All Odds" "An Officer and a Gentleman") would direct, I became less than thrilled. Although the film does not capture the true meaness of the times (racial inequities, music biz sleaze), it does a wonderful job of bringing to life the spirit of Mr. Charles' music genius. Terrifically acted throughout by Regina King (Will Smith's wife in "Enemy of the State"), Bokeem Woodbine ("The Rock"), Curtis Armstrong (Booger in "Revenge of the Nerds") as the visionary, Ahmet Ertegen and newcomer Sharon Warren as Aretha Robinson - Ray's tough, hard working mother, this film is carried with dazzling brilliance by Jamie Foxx. Similar channeling was seen by Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman, Foxx IS Ray Charles. The head movement, smile and walk are all spot on. Foxx and the live Charles cuts make the movie work. A few Hackford things that I could have done without were the numerous close-ups and the whole drug rehab section. I would have liked more attention given to Charles' business saavy and his impact on musicians dealings with record companies. Casting was excellent ... down to the boyhood Ray and his brother. Numerous flashbacks are utilized to connect his childhood to growth as an adult. The drug abuse is dealt with head-on, as is his infidelity. The music will give you chills and please stay for the closing credits and the absolute best version of "Georgia on my Mind" that you will ever hear. Everyone should own at least a couple of Ray Charles CD's and absorb the greatness of the performer.