Yes, it's true, but you may find it rather off-putting to witness a hero knocked down a notch or two.
Ray (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:190
Fresh:155
Rotten:35
Average Rating:7.3/10
Consensus: Critics can't stop loving Jamie Foxx's performance in Ray, which is being hailed as an engrossing and energetic take on Charles' achievements and demons.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elements
Runtime: 2 hrs 33 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:21-01-2005
Synopsis: Ray is the never-before-told, musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles. Featuring a remarkable performance from Jamie Foxx in the central role, Ray follows the inspiring story of a... Ray is the never-before-told, musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles. Featuring a remarkable performance from Jamie Foxx in the central role, Ray follows the inspiring story of a one-of-a-kind genius. Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. Ray provides an unflinching portrait of Charles' musical genius as he overcomes drug addiction while transforming into one of this country's most beloved performers. Ray is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman); screenplay by James L. White, from a story by Hackford and White; and produced by Hackford, Stuart Benjamin, Howard Baldwin and Karen Baldwin. [More]
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Curtis Armstrong
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Curtis Armstrong, Warwick Davis, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Terrence DaShon Howard, Larenz Tate, Aunjanue Ellis
Director: Taylor Hackford
Director: Taylor Hackford
Screenwriter: James White, Taylor Hackford
Producer: Howard L. Baldwin, Karen Baldwin
Composer: Craig Armstrong
Producer: Stuart Benjamin
Studio: Universal Pictures
Reviews for Ray
Benefits greatly from a wealth of powerful supporting performances, in addition to Jamie Foxx's star-making turn.
Jamie Foxx is magnetic as Ray Charles but does not show us enough inner conflict. The film is at its best showing the roots of the character.
With Foxx as the front man, and with the real life recordings of Ray Charles as the soundtrack, Ray is a musical biography that transcends the clichés of the genre.
Jamie Foxx's spectacular performance (hindered by the inability to act with his eyes) anchors a rich, strong film.
The narrative structure of Ray may be conventional but there are many other compensations: Hackford’s ebullient direction and Jamie Foxx’s incandescent performance.
Won me over because of Jamie Foxx's powerful performance where he inhabits Charles--capturing the singer's characteristics.
It isn't the superficial career reconstruction that makes this movie worth the price of admission, it's the "Best of Charles" compilation that will move you.
Much more than Smith as Ali or Hopkins as Nixon, the actor loses himself so thoroughly in the role that it's impossible to tell where Ray Charles ends and Jamie Foxx begins.
...gives the Hallmark treatment to an unruly legend. Foxx is so superbly convincing, you can't help wishing the movie had trusted him more. He (and the cast) deserve better.
While Foxx makes the film worthwhile, Hackford nearly ruins by investing "Ray" with the emotional equivilant of a Diet Pepsi ad.
'When all is said and done, and Oscar time rolls around, Jamie Foxx will be difficult to beat in the Best Actor category.'
'...the audience feels as though this is the real Ray Charles playing himself. I can't say anything more than that in tribute to Jamie Foxx's outstanding work.'
It's the music that keeps me drawn into the film, followed closely by Jamie Foxx's soulful (in both senses of the word) performance.
An emphatically entertaining, toe-tapping cautionary tale about how drug addiction is more crippling than any physical handicap.
...a case of a star performance outshining the movie. Foxx is like a virtuoso headline act backed up by a band that wanders in and out of key.
[Foxx's] peerless work elevates this otherwise ordinary biopic, which is plagued by stiff dialogue and hokey imagery.
Jamie Foxx's all-encompassing performance in the title role more than justifies the early Oscar gossip it has generated.
Latest News for Ray
October 07, 2009:
Jamie Foxx Plans Mike Tyson Biopic ![]()
Does one good biopic deserve another? "Ray" star Jamie Foxx wants to reunite with director Taylor Hackford for a look at the life and times of Mike Tyson. More...
October 15, 2007:
Mirren and Pesci Saddling Up at Hackford's Love Ranch
Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, and Taylor Hackford are headed to the Love Ranch. More...
December 29, 2006:
Kasdan, Apatow & John C. Reilly to Introduce "Dewey Cox"
How many musician-centric biopics do you have to sit through before you start clamoring for a nice juicy parody of the sub-genre? Well, one's on it's way, courtesy of director... More...
December 08, 2006:
The Weekly Ketchup: "Spider-Man 3" Teasers, "Pirates 3" Pics And Rumors, "Transformers" Images, And More!
In this week's Ketchup, we just can't get enough of those tidbits from the upcoming third installments of "Spider-Man" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the... More...
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