Solemplex
To me, this movie is perfection.
SnoReptilePlenty
Memorable, crazy movie
Juana
what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.
merelyaninnuendo
RayThe structure of the feature is similar to any other biography, so there is no element of surprise and addition to that, another major conundrum is the overlong runtime, ticking for more than 150 minutes. James L. White's screenplay is smart yet somehow fails to keep the audience engaged into it despite of having some high pitched dramatic sequences. Taylor Hackford has done an amazing work on executing the script and the characters onto the screen and create something colossal out of it with the help of amazing cinematography and fine editing. The performance is where the feature steals the show and the heart of it lies with Jamie Foxx who is supported by a great cast like Karee Washington and Regina King. Ray is a character driven feature that shouts out the affection that makers had for Ray which is what helps it work like a charm.
paid in full
First, let's say that the acting performances were well dont by all .We are brought into the world of a blind man. But he is more then a blind man. He has a gift. Is that gift powerful enough to help him overcome his curse ?In a way this movie is very interesting because it is real. I liked the story of the man, period. Usually I like more action and twists and turns in a movie...but I promised myself to finish this movie and it was worth it.What i feel could be better is if we had been showed other character's point of view. At times, we were introduced to characters and we could've branched out and learned more about ttheir side of the story....but I understand this was about Ray.Overall it was good.
Hitchcoc
Ray Charles defines soul and country. He was at times a harsh man, a man desiring perfection. His discography is massive and the quality of his performances are stunning. All this after growing up blind. Instrumentally, he drove the train. For Jamie Foxx to take on this man as a dramatic character calls for real courage. Not only does he capture the physical presence of the man, he captures his movements, his idiosyncrasies, his voice. What criticism there is of this performance seems to bank on there being no reason to have a bio-pic because to treat a contemporary subject is always lacking--the person is still too fresh in our minds. This may be true with Oliver Stone because he not only presents a character, but he gets in his own political agenda. Here, the movie is a way of doing honor to a great performer. There are also criticisms of Charles holding back on supporting civil rights. Well, nobody said he didn't have his failings; it's all the more reasons put forth an accurate portrayal of the man. Foxx is superb.
Python Hyena
Ray (2004): Dir: Taylor Hackford / Cast: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Sharon Warren, Larenz Tate: Fascinating account of the life of R & B musician Ray Charles who became blind at the age of seven and orphaned at fifteen. He developed a fear of water as a traumatic result of witnessing his brother drown. He becomes tremendously successful by blending gospel music and soul but he also struggles with a heroin addiction. There is a lot here and the detail that director Taylor Hackford puts forth is convicting. Jamie Foxx is absolutely brilliant in speech and posture. As Charles we witness his upbringing, relationships and the switching of record labels, which is played out almost like a breach of trust since one company has remained loyal while the other has a bigger offer. Strong supporting work by Kerry Washington as his wife who puts up with his shortcomings and aids when addiction surfaces. Regina King plays a singer whom he has an affair with. The difference between the two women is where he remains. Sharon Warren plays his mother with authority who commanded that he not become a cripple and to face life's challenges. Larenz Tate appears as the legendary Quincy Jones among other musicians gracing this project. Film demonstrates the physical and emotional defects of one great American icon who overcame it all. Score: 10 / 10
