Movie review: “Get On Up”

  On August 1, 2014, movie audiences were presented with the James Brown’s story. In this biopic, the audience has a first look into James’s life, from an impoverish boy from Georgia, to becoming one of the most influential performers of all time. The movie also reveals the darker moments in James’s life, where his relationship with his mother was not the best. Later in the movie, this plays a role with his relationships with women. The recreation of “The Godfather of Soul” was phenomenal; Chadwick Boseman was able to bring James Brown the performer to life.

  Chadwick Boseman, the Howard Graduate who played Jackie Robinson in the movie “42” declined the script for the movie at first. “I’d just played Jackie Robinson, so there was no way to even think about playing another real person, let alone an iconic character,” he said the The New Yorker.

  Boseman’s manager pushed for him to accept the role. “Get On Up” was able to feature original recordings from James Brown, unlike many biopics that cannot because of copyright issues.

  Rolling Stones Lead singer Mick Jagger has been a fan of James Brown for years. Peter Afterman manager of Brown’s estate and his close friend approached Jagger about the documentary opportunity of Brown’s life. Jagger Jumped right on the project, becoming the producer and making sure James Brown legacy was represented properly.

  Boseman hired his own choreographer to learn the dance moves. James Brown was known for his incredible performances, so he had to be just as energetic on stage. Brown had a great work ethic, and that is why he was called “The Hardest Working Man in Show business.”

  Directed by Tate Taylor, the movie shows many sides of James Brown: the performer, the father, and the son.

  James Brown, the man, had an enormous ego and was domineering. He constantly speaks of self-determination and his accomplishments throughout the movie.

  It’s hard to come up with anything negative about the movie, it was real and not over glamorized.

  I do expect it to win a number of awards, but I do suggest you “Get on up” and head our and see the film, “Get On Up.” It will keep you entertained.