I really enjoyed watching Jamie Fox play Ray Charles simply because he did such a great job being Ray Charles. It totally felt like you were watching the life of Ray Charles. The movie was cool because I learned so much I did not know. I have listened to a little Ray Charles, as most people have. I enjoy his innovative R & B and Gospel Sound. One of the qualities the film promotes well, something I had known, is the excellent versatility and range of styles Charles could play.
I really was not aware how much of how much a junkie and drug abuser the singer really was. The film really did a great job in capturing the severe faults of the artist as well as capturing the ways he overcame his obstacles. All of the acting was superb, and Jamie Fox really really shines, showing his amazing talent. So much of film is pure junk but I no doubt feel this feature adds a lot to the life of Charles and the potential for films.
The actress who played Charles wife and mother also did excellent jobs, as well as the fellow who played Quincy Jones. Even more could have been added but I also understand the reasons for editing for time. I liked the scene at the end with the Georgia State Legislators. Julian Bond is a punk though, too bad he has to be such a political hack. Anyways this is a quality film I enjoyed the deep portrayal of all of the singers faults and demons.
Cast
- Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles
- Sharon Warren as his mother, Aretha Williams
- Kerry Washington as his wife, Della Bea Robinson
- Regina King as Margie Hendricks
- Renee Wilson as Pat Lyle
- Larenz Tate as Quincy Jones
- Harry Lennix as Joe Adams
- Clifton Powell as Jeff Brown
- Curtis Armstrong as Ahmet Ertegün
- Richard Schiff as Jerry Wexler
- Kurt Fuller as Sam Clark
- Patrick Bauchau as Dr. Hacker
- Terrence Dashon Howard as Gossie McKee
- Chris Thomas King as Lowell Fulson