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AuthorTopic: Ray (Read 106 times)
David Bruce Murray
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Ray
« Thread Started on Jan 7, 2005, 1:24am »
Here's a movie review I wrote for my blog a few weeks ago: http://www.musicscribe.com/2004/11/ray.html

Dave's Movie Review

I saw Ray a few days ago. This 2 hr. and 30 minute biographical epic on the life of Ray Charles is already sparking rumors about an Oscar nomination for Jamie Foxx. Being a longtime fan, I thought the movie was entertaining, but it could have been improved considerably in some areas.

Obvious problems first . . . I noticed several scenes where the hands did not even come close to matching the music. When you're making a recording about a famous piano player, this is just unacceptable.

One particular scene was out of character from the rest of the film. Charles and his mistress are having an argument over whether she should have an abortion. When she refuses, he sings "Hit The Road, Jack." She sings a line or two back at him before she storms out the door. Otherwise, Ray is a movie ABOUT a musician, not a musical. Besides, the scene itself is tasteless . . . but it got the anticipated laugh from the audience.

The other drawback to this film is that it obsesses with Charles' struggles with heroin and adultery in his early career to the point that his musical accomplishments come off as secondary. Ultimately, the movie comes to a halt in the mid-1960s, with only a brief nod towards the last 40 years of Charles' illustrious career. That's a real shame. I had hoped to see some scenes about Charles' collaborative works with other artists like Billy Joel ("Baby Grand") and country groups like the Oak Ridge Boys. He was an amazingly versatile performer. Unfortunately, this film dwells so much on Charles' flaws it could turn away more potential fans than it attracts.

Thematic problems aside, Foxx does an excellent job conveying the spirit of Ray Charles on screen. The classic swagger is perfect, and the music sounds terrific. (The filmmakers used Charles himself for the recordings . . . a wise move.)

If you're already a Ray Charles fan you should see this film . . . if for no other reason than seeing how they managed to flub it in spite of Foxx's performance. If you aren't a fan of Ray Charles, though, skip the movie. Buy a couple of Ray Charles CDs instead.
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David Bruce Murray is still "Making hay while the sun shines"
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---"I know a pagan piano riff when I hear it." (Dr. Bobby Clark)---
DaJudge
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Re: Ray
« Reply #1 on Jan 7, 2005, 7:17am »
Thanks David. I've herad some other bad reviews on this movie, but still I want to see. I'm just not a movie theatre person. So guess when it comes on video or TV I'll see it! :-*

Can we call you our resident "movie critic"? ;D
I already KNOW you're one of those "music critics", so give us some of your reviews on some recent CD's! ;D
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David Bruce Murray
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Re: Ray
« Reply #2 on Jan 8, 2005, 3:11pm »
Sure, I'll be a movie critic around here.

Ask me about any movie that's come out recently, and I'll tell you what I thought of it. I don't get to see everything, but I do see most of the major releases either at the theatre or later on DVD.
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David Bruce Murray is still "Making hay while the sun shines"
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---"I know a pagan piano riff when I hear it." (Dr. Bobby Clark)---
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Re: Ray
« Reply #3 on Jan 9, 2005, 5:27pm »
I wanted to see this movie, but no one would go with me. That's one of my resolultions for the new year...... I will go by myself to movies if I want to see something that no one else does. I don't know why it bothers me to go myself..... but no more!! I'm going! ::)

So, I'm going to have to rent "Ray" when it comes out on video..... or is it already out?
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Re: Ray
« Reply #4 on Jan 12, 2005, 2:21am »
Ray is still in theaters.

I started going to the movies by myself around 1988 or so. I prefer seeing movies alone, to be honest. If I'm going to spend $5-$8 on a 2-3 hour experience, I want to get my money's worth with as few distractions as possible.

Obviously, I never go to the movies alone on Friday or Saturday nights, because people who go then are usually in groups that are more interested in socializing with each other than actually seeing a movie.
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---"I know a pagan piano riff when I hear it." (Dr. Bobby Clark)---
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Re: Ray
« Reply #5 on Jan 13, 2005, 1:04pm »
I know what you mean. I hate it when the people that I'm with, talk during the movie........ telling me what they think will happen, or just commenting on anything about the movie. You're right! I probably would enjoy it more on my own too.
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