We didn’t care much for “Cadillac Records,” the Chess records biopic seemed to be the 101, greatest hits of the Chicago label’s history and while that works in some cases, especially if you’re not an expert in the story (which we’re not), but it’s like the script’s beat points were lifted from Wikipedia. It also doesn’t help that the film is kind of cornball-ish (the voice over makes you want to strangle yourself), ham-fisted melodrama (the guy who plays Little Walter is just too over-the-top). The performances are decent, Beyoncé does a startling good job and while she might not necessarily pull off the most convincing Etta James, she does pull off a credible and emotional believable performance. Jeffrey Wright (as Muddy Waters) is equally good, though somewhat muted.
Hollywood Elsewhere asked last week if this meant if he was Oscar-worthy and while he’s good, aw hell, no. People who know nothing about music seemed to enjoy it, but those who are rather well versed in it were kind of appalled. Be forewarned. We guess that’s our review. The music in the film isn’t bad though, or at least you won’t laugh when Beyoncé sings things like “At Last,” and you’ll probably chuckle when Mos Def sings (as Chuck Berry) “No Particular Place To Go.”Oh, lastly, Variety praised Eamonn Walker’s role as Howlin’ Wolf, but we have to admit, his steely-eyed, ‘I’m gonna be sooo pissed at you’ made us simply roll our eyes and giggle. Below is the aforementioned Mos Def, Beyoncé songs, plus Nas’ track from the soundtrack (rappin’ over blues) CD (which comes out today in a single disc and deluxe edition) and Wright’s take on Waters’ “I’m A Man.”