"Baby, when I walk out that door I walk out alone in the dark. I'm trying to do something ain't nobody ever done in music and business." - Ray

Rating: 9/10 (7 August 2005)

The life of former Blues and Jazz pianist Ray Charles is simply mesmerizing. His struggle into the music industry from both being black and blind is almost impossible to believe. I knew this even before seeing "Ray", the new film by Taylor Hackford about musical legend Ray Charles, and I was a bit worried that the film would not do the man justice. However, all my fears or reservations about the film not living up to my expectations were put to rest as soon as the ending credits started to role. "Ray" is quite possible the best biopic drama I've ever seen. Despite it's few flaws, the film really digs deep into Ray Charles' life, and tells it like it is. It really doesn't make Charles out to be a saint, just a normal-mannered guy with mostly good intentions. The thing I admire most about "Ray" is it tells all the wonderful glorifying parts of Ray Charles' life, but it doesn't leave out or skimp around the non-glorifying parts. They show "Ray" engaged in many affairs outside of his marriage without regard for his wife. They could have told this part more lightly, or had Charles be really sorry about this, but they didn't. I truly admire that! As for Ray Charles heroin addiction, they portray that in full gritty detail also. They really show how the drugs make him into a monster, instead of just breezing by that chapter of his life to get to the more inspiring parts. As for the message "Ray" sends -- it's a positive one for the recently deceased blues sensation. It pretty much shows him as a basically good man who got involved with things that altered his usually good natured train of thought. As for the acting in the film, it's absolutely OUTSTANDING. "Ray" boasts the very best ensemble film cast of the year so far. The film contains something that is very rare for any film -- not one single weak performance. The best performance in the film however, is Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles himself. Jamie Foxx plays Ray with such passion, authenticity and craft, you'd think you were watching the actual Ray Charles himself on screen. Foxx doesn't just deliver the best performance of his career, he also proves to the audience that he has a truly good understanding of the legend he is portraying. You can definitely count on Jamie Foxx picking up an Academy Award, or at least a nomination early next years at the Oscars. In conclusion, "Ray" is a brilliant achievement, that despite it's small flaws (like running a little too long), shows us how amazing the late Ray Charles really was. Grade: A- (screened 10/31/04 at AMC Deer Valley 30 in Phoenix, Arizona)
MADE MY TOP 300 LIST AT #121
my ratings guide - A+ (absolutley flawless); A (a masterpiece, near-perfect); A- (excellent); B+ (great); B (very good); B- (good); C+ (a mixed bag); C (average); C- (disappointing); D+ (bad); D (very bad); D- (absolutley horrendous); F (not one redeeming quality in this hunk of Hollywood feces).