Perhaps there were insurmountable legal restrictions. But the movie still serves as a dandy primer for rediscovering a lot of great music.
Overview
The story of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry.
Director and cast
- Darnell Martin Director
- Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess
- Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters
- Beyoncé as Etta James
- Gabrielle Union as Geneva Wade
- Columbus Short as Little Walter
- Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon
- Emmanuelle Chriqui as Revetta Chess
- Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf
- Yasiin Bey as Chuck Berry
- Valence Thomas as James Cotton
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Anyone who likes pop music or wonders how bands like the Rolling Stones got rolling will enjoy the ride.
In story terms, its cavalcade of melodrama and conflict isn't always persuasive, but writer-director Darnell Martin's respect for the music shines through.
I think music fans will enjoy this.
There is not one authentic moment of human discourse in the whole movie.
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