Disappointing; there wasn't even a reference to 'Doctor Detroit'.This is a fairly solid movie. If you know me, you know that I'm not the biggest fan of biopics, and 'Get On Up' goes into those pitfalls. The focus can be confusing at times, there are some incredibly cheesy moments (particularly toward the end of the movie), and the non-linear structure can be more confusing than insightful.
Despite that, I actually thoroughly enjoyed watching this. I got WAY more out of this than something like 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' There are some fun moments of direction here, with snappy editing that keeps the movie going. While I do have some issues with the structure, it does lead to some fun parallels that were nice food for thought.
Goddamn, I miss Chadwick Boseman. He lights up the screen as Jame Brown, and he can showcase a level of charm, mixing it with the unlikability of its subject. The other performances were fun, too. Dan Aykroyd is Dan Aykroyding the fuck out of this movie, and it's a beauty to behold. Like always, Viola Davis was spectacular, and the rest of the ensemble had its moments to shine.
I also appreciated how they tackled James Brown's violently abusive behavior. I'm glad they never fully glamorized him while still showcasing his influence over culture.
Overall, it's a standard biopic that's elevated by fantastic performances and a sense of ambition that makes it entertaining to witness.
