Cadillac Records

Synopsis

A music biopic that archives the climb of an American record label Chess Records and its recording artists who are legendary for making blues and rock and roll popular. It follows the lives of blues musician Muddy Waters, record company co-founder Leonard Chess, harmonica and blues singer Little Walter, soul star Etta James and guitarist singer Chuck Berry.

Review

This movie is packed so tight with so many subplots, it’s crazy. The soundtrack… oh my WORD is fantastic! Cadillac Records just entertains you with sound and a great cast. Oh—you will also see some of the most beautiful Cadillacs ever. There are so many in this film and they play such a major role they should have all been given names and listed in the rolling credits. OKAY? Just like the cars, the actors are phenomenal too.

Cadillac Records tells the story of how the blues became popular and how rock and roll was birthed like a brand new baby at Chess Records. This movie introduces so many characters and I actually feel that each one could have their own full feature length film.

First, Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody, Academy Aaward-winner for The Pianist) plays a Polish bar owner that creates his own recording studio and record label called Chess Records. He would go on to sign some of America’s musical legends: Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright, Quantum of Solace), Little Walter (Colombus Short (This Christmas, Stomp the Yard), Etta James (Beyonce Knowles, Dreamgirls), Chuck Berry (Mos Def, 16 Blocks), and Howlin’ Wolf (Eamon Walker, HBO’s OZ). Chess Records brought out of “race” music the blues, R&B and Rock n’ Roll. Yes! Folks way back when were calling it “race” music. Now what the heck is that? Who thought to call it that? Different times, people...different times.

Now in the true story, Phil Chess, Leonard’s brother was also an owner of Chess records and a big part of history too, but this movie just side steps the poor mans contribution. I guess there wasn’t enough time to fit him in. This film is rush-rush and throws all kinds of stories in the mix. I’m sure there are major inconsistencies in this film about the true life events, but who cares? It’s a good watch and the actors do not disappoint.

Jeffrey Wright, as Muddy does his thing with his side smile and best Muddy voice impression. Of course we all know our boy from the James Bond movies wouldn’t disappoint us. And Mos Def as Chuck Berry, he is good – real good. Mos Def also doesn’t mumble his words like he usually does. Every time I hear him I think he has a bag of marbles in his mouth.

Colombus Short plays the heck out of his part as Little Walter. I knew he was a decent actor, but I did not know he could bring it the way he does in this flick. I believe he actually is good enough to win an award. I know we will see more of him. No more Stomping the Yard films for him. This brother can now—as Martin Lawrence would say “Stomp with the big dogs.” Speaking of Martin, I just busted open the second season of Martin and watched about 5 episodes. I was cracking up. That brotha got talent. You should watch some old episodes if you can catch the reruns because if you used to watch them back in the day, it will bring back instant memories.

Anyhoo, Beyonce Knowles as Etta James is mmm mmm mmm. Well excuse me and shut my mouth. Whoever Beyonce’s new acting coach is—that person is worth every dollar. I NEVER thought Beyonce was a good actress, but she truly embodies Etta James’ walk, talk, and singing voice. I was very proud of Beyonce. Oh, and if you are a big fan of hers you might be disappointed that she didn’t appear in the movie until half way through or after. The story is not all about her. The trailer would like you to believe it is, but it isn’t. It’s more about Leonard Chess, Muddy Waters and Little Walter. I actually wanted to see more of her.

Oh wait. How can I forget Gabrielle Union (The Perfect Holiday) as Geneva Wade. She is excellent. I’m very excited for her and I hope to see her in more dramas. She usually plays a sophisticated, career-oriented woman, but in this film she’s Muddy’s humble, stay-at-home wife. The way she cried and her facial expressions as Geneva is very authentic, but boy was Geneva either too good of a woman, or boo-boo the fool for staying with her cheatin’ behind man.

Well, Cadillac is on point with the singing, acting and the drama. Sure, the movie is a whirlwind of mini stories however, just go with it. Enjoy the music. Remember this is rated R so insert alcohol, drugs, women, infidelity, jail, some nudity, profanity and all that jazz. All of these vices play a big part in certain lives of Chess Records singers.

I have got to find me a car show.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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