!!TRUE Film-making!!

Rating: Null/10 (1 December 2004)

Review: We keep hearing how CG effects are taking over the business, where actors will be obsolete in the near future, replaced by life like animated characters. I've heard many people disagree with this "how can you be touched or feel for a animated object on the screen, you can't get the true human emotion or connection" Although Disney and Pixar has perfected and is still perfecting the CG effects down to the T and granted they sometimes do appear life like and it's enjoyable to watch BUT then comes a film that opens the audiences eyes and mind back up to the good old days of cinema. Where we don't have all these video game type CG effects anyone remember Star Wars: Episode 2? even Lucas admitted it looked like an X-box game. This film is the definition of "true" cinematic film-making. This is one of those films! From the very opening shot with the classic "What'd I say" and close ups of drums starting to roll we are catapulted into the story of Ray Charles. Taylor Hackford did an excellent job in telling his story that defiantly keeps you entertained and glued to the screen. Although there are some scenes that could have been trimmed to lessen the running time a bit it still captures you into the mind of Ray. Jamie Foxx is electric on the screen as Ray, from the opening bus stop scene your blown away by his performance and his transformation into the legendary singer is amazing. I don't usually agree or put much faith into other reviews when you hear "Oscar worthy performance" "or a must see" "best picture of the year" every film seems to have that for their tagline, this time I have to agree. Jamie Foxx's performance is powerful and moving so is the film itself. Although you probably want to leave the kids home for this one, there are some mature elements of drug use and sexuality and the running time well make your kids go insane for your attention but don't let that stop you from missing it! I guarantee after you exit the theater you will be moved, inspired and motivated to go out and buy every album of Ray Charles and see it again and again!! *****out of 5