Get On UpPosted by Wilson Morales
Since the passing of James Brown in 2006, it was a forgone conclusion that his life story would play as a biopic. It was just a matter of when and what aspects of his life we would see. With so many components and legalities to be worked out such as the ownership to his story as well as his music, it take some back and forth, but finally we have “Get On Up,” where Chadwick Boseman not only embodies the Godfather of Soul but is dynamic, electrifying and gives a tour-de-force performance. Although the use of flashbacks is a distraction with some highlights coming in snippets, the musical performances are a delight.
Starting out from 1988 when Brown was past his prime and getting arrested in Georgia, Brown, through flashbacks, starts to reflect on his past. Growing up in South Carolina as his mother (Viola Davis) leaves him with an abusive father (Lennie James), little James wanders off to church where he first gains an appreciation of music. With his father looking for work, James is then left in the care of Aunt Honey (Octavia Spencer), who happens to run a brothel.
All that time watching his aunt do her thing didn’t make James a saint. By the time he was a teenager, he got stealing and met singer Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis) while in jail. Seeing that James has talent, Bobby brings him, invites him to stay over and has him join his band, The Flames. Their success at night clubs get them in business with music manager Ben Bart (Dan Aykroyd).
By this time, James Brown is on a roll, with hit such as “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,“ “Please Please Please,” and “Try Me”. With success comes fame, fortune and a huge ego. Not only did Brown wanted to be addressed as “Mr. Brown” by his band, but his temper flared to the point to abuse to his wives, including second wife Deidre (Jill Scott). He also splits with Byrd and his band, forming a new band with a young Bootsy Collins. By the time we get to the 90s, Brown is more resign but still keeping with the times with signature ballads such as “Try Me (I Need You).”
Directed by Tate Taylor (The Help) with Mick Jagger serving as one of the produces, “Get On Up” is packed many highlights of James Brown’s colorful life. Boseman, who broke out in the Jackie Robinson biopic “42,” is just as great as he was in that film. From his look to his swagger and his performance, this man is a jack of all trades that Brown was and when he’s performance, there’s nothing that takes your eyes off from watching him. He’s not the only one who shines. His role may have been small, but Ellis’ role as Bobby Byrd was outstanding. Hopefully, when his turn on HBO’s True Blood ends, we will see more of him on the big screen. One particular key highlight was early in the film with Brandon Mychal Smith as Little Richard. If there ever did that story, Smith better be hired for the role. With Spencer, Davis and Aunjanue Ellis, all who played a role in The Help, each contributed to their role here with solid and effective work. In one powerful scene with Brown, Davis shows why she’s among the best actresses working today.
Not all of Brown’s life is illustrated in the film and having flashbacks takes aways from the storyline holding steady. Snippets of his drug and physical abuse doesn’t cut it. If you’re going to showcase a flawed man, go big and tell it all, not just a glimpse. Aside from that, “Get On Up” is kinetic, dazzling and simply balls out entertaining.
