Cadillac Records

A biographical music film whose trick is that it doesn’t tell one particular musician’s story but it focuses on the whole label – Chess Records. And it does a great job in that respect. Even though the musicians themselves are often introduced quite briefly, it still gives you an idea about the beginnings of rock’n’roll era in the US. And for me that’s perfectly enough for a movie about a record label. It was an amazing experience emphasized by great actors. Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters were the most likeable from the bunch. Plus, while writing this comment I had to play their music in the background… (10.01.2019)

Cadillac Records tells the great story of African-American blues and the beginnings of rock 'n' roll, depicting the events surrounding those who were the first to truly break free from the fate of the African-American ethnicity and emancipate themselves through success in show business. It is the success of the first African American stars, who have made their mark in the consciousness of the widest audience and left their imprint in music history, including their scandals and extravagant lifestyles characteristic of those who have risen from nothing. For a viewer who doesn't care about this music, the movie will be of no interest. For a fan who loves the soundtracks of the 50s and 60s and knows the names and biographies of famous artists of that era by heart, Cadillac Records doesn't really have much to offer either because a knowledgeable viewer will likely quickly notice the superficiality, unfinished characters, and overall average screenplay. Rather than an exciting ride into the pop past, Cadillac Records, directed by Darnell Martin, is simply an illustration of the events surrounding one record company whose owner had the intuition and courage to break societal taboos and appeal to a different clientele. American critics brutally tore the film apart, but Cadillac Records is fine for a one-time watch. As it is well known, critics feast the most on what is expected to deliver a lot and involve well-known names. The truth is that Beyoncé is not and will never be a good actress, and Adrien Brody may have charisma, but he doesn't have much to work with; nevertheless, it easily deserves 3 out of 5 stars. Overall impression: 55%. (24.08.2014)