Published: Fri, 5 Dec 2008
Description: (Boston Globe) Is there enough star power to elevate this loose interpretation of the Chess Records story? Globe critics Ty Burr and Wesley Morris discuss whether the music of the era is more rewarding than the film.
Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)
" And moments and -- anti terror and this is take -- into dean we're talking about Cadillac Cadillac records wanted to be. Two movies made in the last couple of years about the chess records story. Chess records in case you don't know -- a -- record label at a Chicago in 1950s. Is all extremely influential. That muddy waters recorded. How wolf recorded an -- Chuck Berry they sort of created Chicago blues and then rich too early rock and it's great story there's a very good -- oh my and my goodness yes to great story great personalities great music. There is well there's not a movie called that he loved -- this claim that apple hasn't been released yet. This is direct by -- Darnell Martin's. Anyway. Starts Jeffrey Wright as muddy waters stars even walker from eyes as Howland will not on screen nearly enough and miles and I'm very he's very -- I've not seen this a year you basically most jacket as Chuck Berry I mean I'll probably most Def as Chuck Berry also not not given quite enough screen time. I'm a pretty good. Re creation of the period even though which majors in Chicago there. That gets. Bogged down by -- need to get dramatic shape. Basically turning into treatment is halfway through the -- half -- really and welcome it's possible halfway into the movie. Beyonce anxious to executive produce this movie and she is playing and it changed him that he can hear good things I think. They gave her that title because they wanted to start instantly -- and -- is one of the great glories of fifties are indeed still -- alive today still -- to record last year she is tragic thing at last as the best known. I -- she is this tiny. Tank of a woman. Not exactly you can think of when Beyonce they have given her prosthetic. Mayor and mention apparently gained some weight and -- things. Another thing about this -- is everybody sings her -- you're not hurt your theory I think it's. It's there's -- never have been Columbus shortening little Walter harmonica whiz I and I add also. Complete mental basket case -- sent them. He's very very good Beyonce. Is. She sings at last very well but it doesn't sound anything like it. I have this movie is that the two blades. Brothers and again Brothers that were the heads of chess records. Leonard and Phil -- fulfill testament is still alive and if -- in one's home it's place story break so there is no filter that's in this movie it's like that Wright brothers' story with or don't but Adrien Brody plays Leonard chess. Top quite well now but he has no brother in this movie which is just not what actually happened. And they've also cooks up a romance between him and strategy games Beyonce which also didn't happen. He's not the way it happened in in in in the movie so if you -- a purist for this kind of music as I am. There are enough things going on here gas and steam coming out of my years. The music is great if the music he could see this movie you'll enjoy a lot of performances. And if it sends you back to this CDs well blessing. Go go by go with god. Yeah that's it actually you should ask for that for Christmas is that your records box that looks like hundred to six friends. Wolf -- ECB would call will rule that you're here that's Cadillac records. Wish it were better but if it's if you don't notice music you open your eyes and -- I'm Wesley Morris -- moments ago."