Snak's Intermittent Movie Review - "Ray"

I totally forgot to review this. "Ray" starring Jamie Fox is an excellent movie. The acting, the passion, the story, and the music are top notch. While a bit long (2.5 hours) you do get the feel of his long life. There were no points in the movie that did not add to the plot - in fact, there were certain elements of his life that were missing - his teenage years, his mother's death, and his growth as an amazing piano player (which was likely while a teenager). They do show him learning piano when he was about 6 being taught by a local man at the drug store in his town. I loved that part - reminded me of me at that age.

Starting from his southern roots as a child who lived with his determined mother and younger brother, throughout the movie Ray often has inspirational flashbacks to his childhood -- the time he could see up until 7 years of age. These are the parts of the movie I really enjoyed; the child actors here are what cap the movie - they were adorably excellent and believable. He draws on his mother's advice and strong words of wisdom in these flashbacks - it's very touching.

Ray Charles Robinson lived the typical life of a talented musician constantly on the road - sex, drugs (lots), cheating, run ins with the law, but he gave the world a variety of music styles and combinations that are still admired but not perfectly imitated today. Early in his career, people used and abused his talents for their own gain, which he himself would repeat later in life against the people that helped him get to the top - typical Americanism.

Jamie Foxx is not only believable as Ray Charles, there are many moments when you truly feel Ray is alive again (he actually passed away just after the movie was completed and before it was released). Foxx's method acting, by literally having his eyes glued shut for months, worked. I hope he wins an award for it. The supporting cast is fantastic - lots of personal relationships.

This is one of the most inspirational movies I have ever seen and I highly recommend you see it soon.

Snak gives it 4.73 fists out of 5.