Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cadillac Records


This movie is based on a true story of a record label that brought Southern soul, and rhythm and blues into the mainstream.


Cadillac Records founder, Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) , a polish immigrant starts with nothing but a dream, and a belief in the talents of Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), a Mississippi sharecropper.


As the Chess record label grows, and mainstream DJs play this new popular music, Leonard gets Muddy a Cadillac....a symbol of success. This becomes the prize for all the rising stars at Chess Records that have a hit record.

The cast grows with Columbus Short playing Little Walter, Cedric the Entertainer playing Willie Dixon, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, and of course Beyonce as Etta James.

The story line was a bit broken up and didn't have a good flow Chuck Berry brought the label even further into mainstream with his new style...Rock and Roll.They all lived high on the hog, drank a lot, drugs, flashy jewelry.

The music was well worth seeing this movie again.


The Etta James portion of the story was too far into the movie. I kept wondering when she would be discovered. When she finally burst on the scene she was wonderful. I was hoping for more of her than they showed.


Actually, there was way too much to squeeze into one story....each of these music icons is worthy of their own movie. Like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.



I give this movie five 45's! It's all about the music Baby!

8 comments:

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

You're correct, each one of those could and probably should have their own movie.

High on the hog - there's one you don't hear every day. It's one of my favorite expressions, even though I personally do not live high on the hog (I wish I could though).

Busy Bee Suz said...

Most of my favorite movies are music related..."walk the line", the Buddy Holly Story, What's love got to do with it, etc....
Sounds like I may like this, just for the music too.
Good job Grandma J.

*Chicken poop lip gloss* Who is getting that???

Anonymous said...

I hadn't heard of that one. Sound good!

Caroline said...

Great review! BTW...KFC is just the best... :)

Big Hair Envy said...

Is the soundtrack available?? It sure would be a nice addition to my CD collection - I love all of those singers:)

Anonymous said...

It's official now..I am going to go see it!
Thanks Grandma J!

Unknown said...

I never heard of this : ). I love your rating. You are so cool! I am aspiring to be as cool as you someday!

jlo said...

I want to see that movie. Glad to know it's worth getting a sitter for!


BTW...a friend of mine just gave the marshmellow shooter thingy to her sister in law that she's not too fond of. Her whole backyard was covered in marshmellows. Good times.
P.S. Where do you come up with this stuff?