Cadillac Records

Anyone remember those old K-Tel compilation albums with the hits slightly sped up so the K-Tel folks could pack in more songs? CADILLAC RECORDS (CR) gives a similar treatment to the story of Chess Records, nicknamed "Cadillac Records" because the Polish-American... Full review

It's a musical showcasing unknown artists who perform songs in strange but inventive ways never heard before. It's about their de facto representative, their rise to dizzying success as well as their many troubles and, in some cases, their fall to... Full review

How can anyone write that this film is horrible?? (Maybe if your name is Poison?) I saw this movie twice in a row, and I was equally impressed both times. Can't wait till it's released on DVD, then I'll watch it... Full review

'Cadillac Records' is an admirable attempt to tell the tale of the legendary Chess Records,which did for Blues what Atlantic Records did for R&B/Soul,Jazz,Rock & Roll,etc. The main problem is that Hollywood can always be counted on for totally screwing up... Full review

With loose ends and unfinished numbers Cadillac Records leaves you feeling cheated like many of the artist that called the label home. With an ensemble cast featuring Adrien Brody, Cedric the Entertainer, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles, and Gabrielle Union there were moments of individual genius but no coherency. Beyond the fact that the movie had no central theme and gave little explanation or insight into what motivated label founder Leonard Chess, it also took great historic liberties. Cofounder Phil Chess, Leonard’s brother, isn’t even mentioned in the film. Leonard’s previous failure with Aristocrat Records was also omitted from the script. Mos Def is captivating and charming as Chuck Berry. Jeffrey Wright also gives a strong performance as the late Muddy Waters. Beyonce gives a fantastic although brief performance of At Last but isn’t a great fit for the Etta James, Mary J Blige would have been a better fit. Adrien Brody does well with the material he was given but his character lacked motivation and depth. Despite the fact that the movie jumped from character to character without any logical structure the cinematography brought you right into this exciting era and the musical performances were outstanding. All in all, Director/writer Darnell Martin seemed overwhelmed with content so he tried to cram in as many interesting scenes as possible. He succeeded in creating many captivating moments but failed in creating a memorable movie.

"Cadillac Records" is a fun, fast, flashy introduction to the world of Chess Records. In the 1950s, Leonard Chess, a Polish-born Jew in Chicago, along with his brother Phil (not seen in this film) produced "race" records by African American blues... Full review

The trouble with these kind of movies is that they will never satisfy the purists among us. OK so maybe it glosses over the facts and makes the history all shiny and Hollywood, but I will see how many people will... Full review

Saying Leonard Chess discovered Etta James, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf is like saying George Washington discovered America. They all recorded in studios before they recorded at Chess. According to this movie, Muddy and Willie don't fly to England... Full review

It is no doubt important for films to be entertaining story in order to be successful. So, sometimes you need, especially with Biopics to alter some things to create a flow to the story or more drama. But in this case... Full review

I felt the movie moved too fast at the beginning - not giving you the chance to digest the storylines before moving on to the next scene - then it go too slow at the end. Go figure! I felt Jeffrey... Full review

There is a bigger, better film within this but as it is it remains a decent biopic with a great soundtrack to boot!....Unfortunately the film that all these intriguing, charismatic musicians exist within is a disappointment..... ... Full Review

The sets and costumes are amazing....Though not historically accurate, Cadillac Records is an interesting take on the time periods portrayed and the music played.....Wright is a very competent actor who does research for his roles.... ... Full Review

It is an entertaining flick....Cadillac Records features a great deal of wonderful musical performances....The film has to cram decade's worth of information into a 109 minute film and it just feels like many are give short shrift.....It does highlight some of the talent at the iconic music company.... ... Full Review

Funny, quirky fellow.This is a movie in which they try to show how white people stole the music of black people.....If you get offended by such accusations and stories then maybe you won't be so giddy about this flick.....Good acting, interesting story, and good music.The acting by everyone is fairly commendable, but I must point....Mos Def as Chuck Berry was very enjoyable to watch as well..... ... Full Review

the film's lifeblood comes from these dangerous characters on the fringe.....there's no sense of how much he did or did not like the music....Jeffrey Wright is wonderful as McKinley Morganstern, a.k.a.....The whole cast is fabulous....In real life, Chess liked the music well enough to play drums on at least one recording session.... ... Full Review

You've heard the song before and more than once, probably a thousand times. The smooth voice, familiar and soulful, accompanied by sweeping violins that engulf a room with romance and hope. ... Full Article

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