Ray

Review by Clint Morris

Even if he hadn't have died shortly before the release of the film, the legendary Ray Charles would never have been able to 'see' the result anyway.

But, the blind musician still had a good set of ears on him - he most certainly would've picked up that it was playing the right note throughout.

A 'warts and all' biopic that drops in on Ray Charles Robinson's life pre and post music success, Ray plays to quite an electric beat.

The performances are solid, the music undeniably boogie-worthy, and the stencil - more detailed than a signwriters truck.

Robinson - who used 'Charles' because there was already a Ray Robinson, 'Sugar' Ray Robinson in entertainment - lost his sight due to glaucoma when he was a tyke.

He was determined to do just as well without it though, and despite some minor setbacks, most certainly did - becoming one of the most accomplished musicians of his time.

It's hard to imagine anyone else in the lead role than rising superstar Jamie Foxx (Collateral). Not only does Foxx look like Charles, he's got the mannerisms, the nature - everything, down pat. In short: He's a revelation.

Much like Jim Carrey did in Man on the Moon (1999), Foxx doesn't just imitate the music great - he becomes him. So much so that you forget we aren't merely watching a doco on the real Charles.

Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentlemen) does an excellent job of condensing Charles' life into the space of a couple of hours. Some elements are rushed, but Ray gives enough insight into the man's life -- the hardships, the loves, the addictions, and the music. Charles lived quite a tumultuous life, and Hackford depicts it diligently.

Ray isn't the finest biopic ever made, but it's definitely up there, and if Jamie Foxx doesn't get an Oscar Nomination for his virtuoso performance, the Kodak Theatre will indubitably be immersed with antagonism.

4 out of 5

Ray
Australian release: Wednesday January 26th
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J.Lennix, Curtis Armstrong, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis.
Director: Taylor Hackford.
Website: Click here.

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