Ray

Starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King

Rated PG-13

            To call “Ray,” the biopic of the late musician Ray Charles, the best biopic of the year would be tough, especially considering that 2004 also offers “Finding Neverland,” “The Aviator,” “Kinsey,” “The Motorcycle Diaries,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “Alexander.” So I’ll sum it up this way: “Ray” is one of the year’s best films.

            Jamie Foxx gives the best performance anyone has given in a long time as Ray Charles, the blind musician whose life struggles are presented with great passion. The film chronicles Ray’s childhood all the way to the 1970’s where Ray overcomes his heroin addiction. By that time, of course, he has become legendary for combining the sounds of R&B with Gospel.

            A two-and-a-half-hour movie can’t possibly tell everything there is to know about Ray Charles, but the topics the film covers are extremely interesting. Those include said heroin addiction, Ray’s switch from record companies, his first marriage with Della Charles, and his affair with Margie Hendrix (Regina King), one of his back-up singers.

            Foxx is certain to win an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles, and deservedly so. But I’ve heard people say that Foxx is the only reason to see this film, and that is completely false. “Ray” is filled with strong, vibrant performances by the entire cast, and steady directing from Taylor Hackford.

            “Ray” is a film not to be missed.

 
Return to Archive List