Movie Review Mania By Christina

Starring: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric The Entertainer, Mos Def and Beyonce Knowles

The story is about Chess Records a small recording studio chronicalling the rise and the artists lives that played a part in the 1950’s Chicago and blues music. The movie is based on a true story of Chess Records and how they gave birth to rock and roll with Chuck Berry.

Adrien Brody plays the role of Leonard Chess and does an outstanding job as well as all of the actors. The music is great and Beyonce performs her best and sings her heart out playing the talented Etta James with a worthy tribute. Mos Def plays the infamous Chuck Berry charismatically and compelling. The story is one that fills us in on a aesthetic moment in American History filled with self destructiveness of some brilliant artists and rags to riches insignificance of show biz careers. A true struggle of the musicians of that era from their immense rise to their slow contemptuous fall and breakdown. A time of soulful blues music.

The film left me wanting a little more character depth and I found it to be sluggish at times but overall found the music pleasing and feel that it is worth a viewing. My rating is a 6.