by Michael P. Coleman
In describing “the groove” to a reporter in the new James Brown biopic Get On Up, Brown says “Some things don’t fit inside of a magazine, but you feel it.”
The same could be said of the movie.
I find myself uncharacteristically at a loss for words when trying to describe the excellent film starring Chadwick Boseman, who delivers the spirit, the spark, the steps, and yes, the FUNK of the legendary Godfather of Soul. I may never understand how performances like the one Boseman delivered don’t earn Oscar nominations.
I could talk about the movie’s cast, as Boseman is flanked by acting royalty including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Tika Sumpter (The Haves And The Have Nots, Sparkle), Dan Aykroyd, and singers Jill Scott and Aloe Blacc. All give masterful performances.
I could talk about the movie’s director, The Help‘s Tate Taylor, who brilliantly employed a non-linear approach to telling James Brown’s story. He also broke the 4th wall repeatedly during the feature, allowing Brown to seemingly speak to the audience from the grave. (Brown died on Christmas Day in 2006.) It was an effective use of a device that without Boseman’s brillance could have fallen flat.
I could talk about that music. “Get Up”, “Payback”, “I Got You”, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag”, “Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud”…it’s all there.
I could talk about the nuanced Brown of whom the film gives us a glimpse. He was an almost peerless musician and showman (influencing everyone from Michael Jackson to Prince to Bruno Mars), and a savvy businessman. But he was also a tortured soul who’s mother abandoned him when he was young. He was an abusive husband. A womanizer. A dick.
All those James Browns are in Get On Up. But talking about all of that still won’t help you get it. Like James said in the film, some things don’t fit inside of a magazine – or, if you will, on a website. But you feel it. And this film, this Get On Up, you absolutely feel.
Get On Up and its soundtrack are available on a variety of platforms, everywhere.
Michael P. Coleman is a Sacramento-based freelance writer. Get Up Offa That Thing and hit him up at michaelpcoleman.com, via email at mikelsmindseye@me.com, or on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP.
