Hit the Road, Jack!

Rating: 8/10 (8 November 2004)

Yes, that's the title of one of Ray Charles biggest hits, but it's also what Jamie Foxx will be telling his fellow nominees on Oscar night. And for years we've being seeing people win for the wrong role (i.e. they should have won previously) or for political reasons, but finally someone will actually deserve it. I realize that the Academy could do something really stupid and give it to someone else, but then they'd have to realize that no one will ever take them seriously again.
On top of the glorious performance by Mr. Foxx, this is a well crafted film. I like biopics, and they generally follow the same path. But this is incredibly compelling as a story, which I guess is really no one's fault except Ray Charles himself. He had such an extraordinary life that the film only covered about half of it. That may make it seem like something is missing but this story is really about the internal struggle this amazing person went through. And when that struggle ends the movie ends. So it's not incomplete by any means. (Although I do hope there is an extended edition on DVD one day :) )
There is so much I didn't know about Ray Charles. I'm only 30, so basically I knew him from TV appearances and hearing him sing "America the Beautiful" at various events. I didn't have any idea about his personal life and how much life he did live. I don't think I had realized how many hits he had either. I knew he was a huge presence on the music scene, but not that huge. And interestingly enough his story is presented in such a way that if it had been story about a fictional character it would still be totally absorbing. So Hackford should be commended as well, especially for the honesty that is usually lacking in biopics. This isn't a sugar-coated portrayal where they leave out important points because it might upset someone. It's all there for everyone to see. Apart from the transcendent Foxx, the other actors were also fantastic, especially Regina King. I hope she is nominated, as well. The only thing I don't get is why people keep casting Larenz Tate as real people to whom he bears no resemblance. *shrug*
Anyone who enjoys movies or music should see Ray. You won't be disappointed. It's well worth the price of admission... and popcorn.. and candy... and a soda. It's that good. 9/10