Cadillac Records

We saw Cadillac Records last night and I loved it.  I know that there are plenty of people out there that would say that they aren't interested in this movie, but I think it's a movie that everyone should see.  As I said in some of my posts during the BBQ and Blues trip I think anyone who likes modern American music can appreciate and understanding of the blues.  I've already gone into that aspect previously and this is about the movie. 

At times the plot seemed a bit weak and the dialogue certainly left a lot to be desired.  What drew me to the movie was simply the music.  What I left the movie thinking about besides the music was the performances.  Plenty of praise has been bestowed upon Beyonce for her spectacular portrayal Etta James, but I think one of the under appreciated roles in this movie was Mos Def as Chuck Berry.  Mos Def truly conveys the charisma and the stage presence that I presume that Chuck Berry had in his prime.  Another thing I like about historical movies such as Cadillac Records, Ray, or even Almost Famous (which was highly fictionalized version of real events) is the opportunity to make subtle references to other historical figures.  In Forrest Gump there was a passing scene with "Elvis", in Almost Famous it was Jimi Hendrix, in Ray it was Ray Charles himself, and in Cadillac Records...well you'll have to see (but one of the best and most subtle references comes in the first 10 minutes).  As a friend who came with us to movie made another good point about one really feels like they are there in the fields in Mississippi, the clubs in Chicago, or the studios with these legends.  Cadillac Records is definitely a movie that will surely leave the audience walking out with a new appreciation for whatever type of music they like.