Monday, August 23, 2021

Movie Review Madness - RESPECT


 Aretha Franklin anointed Jennifer Hudson to play Ms. Franklin in her life movie. The late Aretha Franklin has to be singing in the rafters of heaven as she looks down on happy movie goers - delighted with the movie RESPECT. 

Jennifer Hudson can SING - blues, gospel, soul, pop. She hits the notes with all of the emotion needed for Respect,  Think, You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman), Amazing Grace, and more.  Jennifer Hudson can ACT. Her range covers the life force that is Aretha Franklin. 

The woman lived quite a life and the movie is very serious. Her forceful preacher father (Forest Whitaker) was a tough man to say no to. She was abused by a family friend, had kids at a very young age, married an abusive man (Marlon Wayans) who managed her. She dealt with the Civil Rights issues of the day and was active, singing in gatherings with Martin Luther King, Jr.  She wrote songs and re-arranged others to suit her talents. She always missed her mother (Audra McDonald) who left her and her siblings and did die young. 

RESPECT is a solid serious musical movie based on the life of the Queen of Soul - Aretha Franklin. I think it does her justice and gives a greater appreciation for her life work. It makes you Think...

6 comments:

  1. A very good review of a what looks like an excellent movie Joanne.
    Aretha is a much loved missed performer, very popular in the UK.
    Take care.
    Yvonne.

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    1. I think she captured the world - she was the Queen. Unique voice and such great songs.

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  2. Hi Joanne - there's been some amazingly interesting bio-pics recently ... I love seeing them, so will definitely see this - great RESPECT review! Cheers Hilary

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  3. This really took Jennifer Hudson to new heights, showcasing her gifts.

    Thanks, Joanne.

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    1. Yep - her voice is truly a gift. And she took this role very seriously.

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