RAY
One thing I can say about “Ray” is that it provides one scene where I literally got goose bumps. Its right when musical legend Ray Charles, magnificently played by Jamie Foxx, is recording his first hit song “Mess Around.” at Atlantic Studios with his band. The energy is at a high level, Foxx is getting all of Charles’ mannerisms perfectly and best of all, it’s a great song propelled by great filmmaking.
Problem is that everything else that follows the “Mess Around” sequence doesn’t match the same intensity and excitement. “Ray” follows a formulaic storyline that we’re all accustomed to with biopics (bad childhood, struggles towards stardom, bad times that follow, etc.) even though it still wins me over in the end thanks to Jamie Foxx’s memorable performance.
Foxx perfectly captures everything about Charles. The mannerisms, his sly sense of humor and the excitement he shows in the performances are all done just right. It has become a cliché thing to say that, “so and so IS that person” but it’s difficult to separate Foxx from Charles. Foxx has had an interesting road to stardom as he has gone from comedian to musician to dramatic actor. In films like “Any Given Sunday” and “Collateral,” Foxx proved that he has the range. With “Ray,” Foxx wins the audience over with his compelling performance that is also his best yet.
Besides the praise for Foxx, “Ray” is filled with a fantastic cast. Any film that features Booger from “Revenge of the Nerds” will always win points from me but Curtis Armstrong does a great job as Ahmet Ertugan, the founder of Atlantic Records and the one responsible for Charles’ first hit single. Armstrong has a great give and take with Foxx and it’s responsible for some of the film’s memorable moments. The surprisingly underrated Regina King (“Jerry Maguire”) also makes a strong presence here as Margie Hendricks, one of Charles’ mistresses. Also keep an eye out for Larenz Tate (“Menace II Society”) as a young Quincy Jones.
Director Taylor Hackford has had some experience with rock and roll legends in the past as he was responsible for producing “La Bamba” and making the documentary “Chuck Berry Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll.” He captures almost all of Charles’ hits being performed by Foxx and they’re all executed beautifully. However, Hackford lets the film drag on near the end as he has a subplot involving Charles’ past with the death of his younger brother that is a letdown when resolved.
“Ray” is a perfect way for people to discover the genius that is Ray Charles. Even though his life story is a bit shaky with his womanizing and drug abuse, Foxx gives a marvelous portrayal of the musical legend’s warmth and love of music.
Overall score: @@@ ½ (out of five)