Sadly Over-hyped

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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.

I won't slam this movie by being a "facts geek" because I thought it was a fun movie to watch, although I despise "imposter" versions of depicted artists' songs. But as a musician and a history buff I do know the things they got wrong or just simply BS'd. Instead, I opted to enjoy the storyline, which I did. I would have liked it so much better had it been at least a trifle more accurate, but we don't always get that unless we are watching a documentary. We dissect "Beatles" movies for accuracy (such as "Back Beat"), and this certainly deserves more serious attention to detail, but what the heck, I've watched it numerous times and still enjoy it for what it is; an entertaining movie about entertainers.

The subject matter is interesting but the dialog is not clear and the scenes move from one to another without much explanation. It is hard to understand what is going on.Beyonce's fright wig is scary. Adrien Brody is slightly out of place here. The incidents of racial discrimination are rather strangely thrust in the story.Overall even if you do like the songs from the era, this story is just not well told. Such a waste.Don't bother to watch it even if you like the leads. It's just very badly scripted and directed.

Cadillac Records is a fairly decent attempt to capture the flavour of a bygone era coupled with a fairly poor stab at exploring racial prejudice in 1950s US. But perhaps the film's biggest flaw is that it simply tries to cram too much history into an inadequate running time. Adrian Brody plays Leonard Chess and he's as good as you'd expect - but he's still overshadowed by Jeffrey Wright's portrayal of blues legend Muddy Waters. In fact, a more focused story was available to the makers in the relationship between Muddy Waters and the talented but self-destructive Little Walter. Beyonce Knowles also gives a stylish performance as Etta James, another damaged but immensely talented singer. The music is great and the film looks great, but the way in which the film whirls through the history of Chess Records means we never really get an in-depth understanding of its characters.

Cadillac records has a fantastic soundtrack. Having said that, personally I think it would have worked better as a mini-series. There are so many characters that it's difficult to focus on just one. Nevertheless, many actors shine in their roles. Adrien Brody tackles a difficult role with his usual ease. The fabulous Jeffrey Wright is a stand-out, Mos Def is an irrepressible Chuck Berry and Gabrielle Union is quietly impressive in a supporting role. Beyonce, however, in a key role of Etta James is woefully miscast and her acting talents are dubious. The script is good, the set-pieces attractive and the film is beautifully shot.