Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career--from a child (Skye Dakota Turner) in her father's church choir to her international superstardom--it's the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice. It starts in 1952, singing in the choir that C.L.Franklin (Forest Whitaker), pastor, who is Aretha's father. As she ages, Aretha (Jennifer Hudson) eventually becomes part of a record deal with Jerry Wexler (Marc Maron) with her husband Ted White (Marlon Wayans) managing her. As she reaches newfound fame, she starts to struggle with her past 'demons', i.e. a controlling father and abusive husband which causes much turmoil in her life. If it wasn't for certain people in her life to be there for her, i.e. Clara 'Mama' Franklin (Kimberly Scott), her sisters, Erma (Saycon Sengbloh), Carolyn (Halley Kilgore) and Brenda (Brenda Nicole Moorer), Martin Luther King Jr. (Gilbert Glenn Brown) and even Jerry, who knows what would have become of her? Her major crushing blow in her life was the death of her mother Barbara Franklin (Audra McDonald) when she was young which she took extremely hard and had a difficult time overcoming. She was the talented singer and entertainer that we all came to love throughout the decades and this is an incredible tribute to her life and talent.
Others to round out the cast are Tituss Burgess as Rev. Dr. James Cleveland, LeRoy McClain as Cecil Franklin, Tate Donovan as John Hammond, Albert Jones as Ken Cunningham, Beau Scheler as Joe Arnold, Myk Watford as Rick Hall, David Simpson as Spooner Oldham and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington.
This was directed by a virtual unknown to the theatrical world, Liesl Tommy (TV). Remember when I've mentioned in reviews many times prior that to be an effective filmmaker, it truly helps when one gnaws their teeth on a plethora of TV. Well, this director certainly is proof of that theory since this was directed with extreme expertise and forethought. She definitely knows her craft because these characters simply came alive and tugged my emotional strings to a point where I could feel their pain and happiness. She will go far with this level of talent. It was equally, brilliantly written by Tracey Scott Wilson (TV and a short) where she is, too, a virtual newcomer to the theatrical film realm. It was based on a story by Callie Khouri and Wilson, so since it was partially based on Wilson's story, it would be fitting for her to write the screenplay. Although, it was a huge gamble in this being written by Wilson, she having only TV to her credit as well, she definitely pulled it off. This was concise, coherent, tight and well thought out, and the almost two hours and thirty minute running time sailed right along. This is amazing considering that after about two hours, most films, if not crafted well, become a huge let down. I can't wait to see what film she will write next time...and there will be a next time.
I can't help but predict that this film will be up for several Academy Award nods, such as best actress (Jennifer Hudson), in which she was stunning, writing, directing and possibly best picture. If you are a Franklin fan, you'll love this, and even if you're not, this is an incredibly well crafted film. All her great hits that she's famous are all represented here. Considering all that she went through in her life, it's amazing that she ended up with the ability she had when all she wanted was a little...respect!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 145mins.
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