RAY

Director: Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman, The Devil's Advocate, more)
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, more

This film biography of Ray Charles is notable for one reason: The excellent performance by Jamie Foxx as the blind soul singer. Other than this role, the film is remarkably average across the board. The writing is so-so, leaning heavily toward sappy melodrama. The direction is also uneven, with scenes of Ray Charles' early childhood reeking of "made-for-TV". The film ran a half hour too long. But Foxx ... wow. It wouldn't nearly be enough for me to say that I didn't think that Foxx had it in him. Despite a fine performance in ALI, I wasn't sure if he even had Hollywood Squares in him. He personally turned a remarkably average film into a gripping melodrama with his excellent performance. He may not have done a fantastic job of revealing the character's inner self, but it was by no means a poor effort at soul-searching. Every other aspect of the actor's craft was simply exceptional. I enjoyed this film immensely and anticipate Foxx (deservedly) getting an Oscar nomination for his effort.

Standouts: Astounding Jaime Foxx portrayal of Ray Charles. Top notch!
Blowouts: Flashback sequences were silly as all get out, sugar.

Grade: A-