While the Liesl Tommy directed film succeeds in capturing the authenticity of the periods shown, including the stunning costume design by Clint Ramos, the Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson co-written script doesn’t allow for more than above the surface storytelling – failing to dive deep enough into Franklin’s struggles, physical and emotional, to garner the character immersions we’ve seen in some previous biographical depictions – like Jamie Foxx’s “Ray” or Angela Bassett’s phenomenal portrayal of Tina Turner in 1993’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”
taken from the MMT Review of RESPECT
It isn’t one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen, but it is satisfactory enough that I recommended audiences to view for themselves. I’m speaking of RESPECT, the Jennifer Hudson led film based on the life of the legendary “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.
Even if I believe the film failed to paint an in-depth portrait of the late icon, it is a good watch, with great music (you didn’t doubt that with Hudson singing though, did you?), great fashion, and a standout cast.
The film was released on digital on October 19 and on Blu-Ray/DVD today November 9 – and MMT is giving away a copy of the latter to one lucky subscriber!
To throw your name in the hat, you must be an active email subscriber/receive newsletter, and send an email to contests@musicmoviesthoughts.com with the subject line “Ree, Ree, Respect,” the name of your favorite Aretha tune, and your full name and address in the body. One winner will be selected and notified by Friday, November 12.
Good Luck! Thomasena
